henryf
Well-Known Member
Popped into the British Motor Yacht show today on it’s first day of opening. So what’s the verdict then? Worth the entry fee or a waste of time?
Well the first thing to say is that entrance is free of charge so in terms of value for money it has to be a big yes from the judges. In fact I actually drew a profit: A coffee and a little snack from Princess, a microfibre wash mitt, a polishing cloth and a couple of Gtechniq samples from Maritime Yacht services and a free copy of this month’s Motorboat & Yachting as I was leaving. Parking was free - the lady even pointed me to a handy spot and the sun shone. Boat shows don’t get any better.
There is a lovely vibe at this show. Its a boater’s boat show so access to stuff is easy, the staff haven’t had to fend off stupid questions all day and you see a few people you know - more so at the weekend.
Princess, Sunseeker and Fairline all had boats to view although possibly not the specific model you were looking at due to sales success. That said staff were on hand and there were sometimes ways and means. I got to see the new Princess F55 flybridge styling changes which will be fitted to our boat at the end of the year. Hull windows change, the saloon window no longer has the flash breaking it up mid way and the engine air intakes have been re-designed. There are also some spec and styling changes inside. I’d seen the hull form at the factory towards the end of last year but this was it’s first time seen in the flesh. Not a boat show boat but a customer’s craft being PDI prepared. A very quick look from the outside.
Bavaria, Beneteau, Fjord, Greenline, Jeanneau, Prestige, Protector, Sealine, Sea Ray, Ryck and Saxdor were also there with various boats.
Galeon seem to be going all out for the UK market with a selection of boats on display. I’ll pin my flag to the mast and say they are a bit too busy for my liking with various fold out bits which extend the outside seating areas. I like a simple design, a sort of form follows function approach but they are winning sales here so ignore them at your peril.
Pearl had a 62 on display. I’ve seen it before and if you haven’t then have a look. It packs a lot of punch inside for a 60 footer but not as much as the Bluegame BGX60. Holy mother of all things 60 foot recreational boating. If you told me this was a 75 footer I’d believe you and even then say they’ve done well. A lower saloon / beach retreat, an upper saloon / diner / galley, a raised aft cockpit, a sun deck, a forward seating area and a massive toy deck / beach area. If you made pick holes the crew cabin is deep but only a single bunk, apparently you can fit 2 beds but it will be tight.
I’d seen the Bluegame BGX70 at Cannes, the 60 is exactly why I go to boat shows, to see something different. Would I ultimately buy one? I don’t know, I would have to spend more time poking around but for someone it’s the perfect fit for their boating lifestyle. Personally I’ve still got funny feelings in my tummy for the Princess X80……
Sur Marine tenders were represented by the guys from Hamble Point Marine. I spoke to them at length at the NEC show and they continued to offer friendly, wise advice today. Good guys.
Another outfit who are going to fly this year are Setag Yachts. Led by former Princess MD Chris Gates they refit mainstream boats usually in around 4-6 weeks. We’ve seen Jim Davidson’s Princess pass through their hands, well you can see the quality of their work on a 2009 Fairline Targa which is on display. I’m surprised there aren’t more businesses doing this. Their combined industry knowledge and expertise together with an approachable can do attitude will be a game changer in the industry.
Raymarine were on hand as were Sevenstar Yacht transport if you fancy trying your hand somewhere further afield.
Sorry if I’ve missed anyone who is there. Definitely worth a trip out. Tell them Henry sent you and they’ll give you a can of pop and a Hobnob, well maybe not but ask anyway. Glad the show is back post covid and firing on all 6 cylinders.
Henry
Well the first thing to say is that entrance is free of charge so in terms of value for money it has to be a big yes from the judges. In fact I actually drew a profit: A coffee and a little snack from Princess, a microfibre wash mitt, a polishing cloth and a couple of Gtechniq samples from Maritime Yacht services and a free copy of this month’s Motorboat & Yachting as I was leaving. Parking was free - the lady even pointed me to a handy spot and the sun shone. Boat shows don’t get any better.
There is a lovely vibe at this show. Its a boater’s boat show so access to stuff is easy, the staff haven’t had to fend off stupid questions all day and you see a few people you know - more so at the weekend.
Princess, Sunseeker and Fairline all had boats to view although possibly not the specific model you were looking at due to sales success. That said staff were on hand and there were sometimes ways and means. I got to see the new Princess F55 flybridge styling changes which will be fitted to our boat at the end of the year. Hull windows change, the saloon window no longer has the flash breaking it up mid way and the engine air intakes have been re-designed. There are also some spec and styling changes inside. I’d seen the hull form at the factory towards the end of last year but this was it’s first time seen in the flesh. Not a boat show boat but a customer’s craft being PDI prepared. A very quick look from the outside.
Bavaria, Beneteau, Fjord, Greenline, Jeanneau, Prestige, Protector, Sealine, Sea Ray, Ryck and Saxdor were also there with various boats.
Galeon seem to be going all out for the UK market with a selection of boats on display. I’ll pin my flag to the mast and say they are a bit too busy for my liking with various fold out bits which extend the outside seating areas. I like a simple design, a sort of form follows function approach but they are winning sales here so ignore them at your peril.
Pearl had a 62 on display. I’ve seen it before and if you haven’t then have a look. It packs a lot of punch inside for a 60 footer but not as much as the Bluegame BGX60. Holy mother of all things 60 foot recreational boating. If you told me this was a 75 footer I’d believe you and even then say they’ve done well. A lower saloon / beach retreat, an upper saloon / diner / galley, a raised aft cockpit, a sun deck, a forward seating area and a massive toy deck / beach area. If you made pick holes the crew cabin is deep but only a single bunk, apparently you can fit 2 beds but it will be tight.
I’d seen the Bluegame BGX70 at Cannes, the 60 is exactly why I go to boat shows, to see something different. Would I ultimately buy one? I don’t know, I would have to spend more time poking around but for someone it’s the perfect fit for their boating lifestyle. Personally I’ve still got funny feelings in my tummy for the Princess X80……
Sur Marine tenders were represented by the guys from Hamble Point Marine. I spoke to them at length at the NEC show and they continued to offer friendly, wise advice today. Good guys.
Another outfit who are going to fly this year are Setag Yachts. Led by former Princess MD Chris Gates they refit mainstream boats usually in around 4-6 weeks. We’ve seen Jim Davidson’s Princess pass through their hands, well you can see the quality of their work on a 2009 Fairline Targa which is on display. I’m surprised there aren’t more businesses doing this. Their combined industry knowledge and expertise together with an approachable can do attitude will be a game changer in the industry.
Raymarine were on hand as were Sevenstar Yacht transport if you fancy trying your hand somewhere further afield.
Sorry if I’ve missed anyone who is there. Definitely worth a trip out. Tell them Henry sent you and they’ll give you a can of pop and a Hobnob, well maybe not but ask anyway. Glad the show is back post covid and firing on all 6 cylinders.
Henry
