LIBS: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

[Koeketiene]

The Good

- I always treat boatshows as a place to pick brains, to talk to manufacturers face to face and to look at products up close. This time was no exception. Reception was very friendly and knowledgeable at both Eberspracher and Webasto. Hope the present heating system survives a few years more, as it looks like it's not going to be an easy decision. Icom also very friendly and helpful. As was NASA, I like the look of their Mobi system - surprised it's not promoted more.
- The HMS Victory rigging: nice touch and it looked like fun. Shame I didn't bring the kids.
- The YBW stand / Crash Test Boat: again a very nice touch. They really tested it to destruction. Insurance nightmare.
Spotted Richard being upbeat/wading through Hot Liquid posts on an iBook. Late night Richard? If not, you're not ageing well
- New boats: big Oyster doing 'acte de presence'. The big Southerlys didn't do it for me - too wide and bottom way too flat for my liking.
The new Gunfleet 43 was a surprise (the only boat I went aboard). Seen it afloat at Fox's a while ago and thought it one fugly boat: too fat, too short and too high. Down below, she's something else. Very innovative/luxurious. Some of their ideas may make an appearance on board Guapa.
Liked the Cornish Crabber - something for when the time comes to downsize (a long while to go yet). Not cheap though.

The Ugly

- The show's small. Even smaller than the last time I went (2 years ago). This is obvious as soon as you enter. Decided to stroll to make the trip worthwhile instead of treating the event like a raid like I usually do. Seen everything of interest in just over 2 hours.
- Lots of non-boaty stands. Frankly if we were in the market for garden furniture, a dishwasher or kitchen knives, I would have sent the wife.
- Knowledge Box: good idea - shabbily implemented. Seemed to be struggling for content. At one moment, I thought it was going to turn into 'Can't cook - Won't cook'.

The Bad

- Some big name manufacturers seem to treat the event like a trade convention. More interested in each other than the average punter. At one stand 5 people undertook a concerted effort to ignore me. Well done chaps - it'll be a cold day in hell before you see any of my money.
- Chandleries: I don't know why they even bother to turn up. The internet has well and truly killed the boatshow deal. The range on offer seemed limited too. How many boat shoes and lifejackets do you actually need?
- No floorplan. Finding what you want is not always easy. Frankly, a twonk on roller-skates is not an adequate substitute.

Would I have gone if I had not received free tickets (thank you, Northwood Officers Mess): probably not.
Will I be going again any time soon? Don't think so. SIBS every other year should be more than good enough.

 

[Steve Clayton]

..........(thank you, Northwood Officers Mess): ........

Do they still do the freebie Derby Day outing?

SWMBO/I had a fabulous time; only marred by the fact SWMBO's nursing skills were required for those pi$$ed/throwing up on the coach trip back

 

[AIDY]

Not with you on the gunfleet I'm afraid... 475 + VAT

I'm having a hard think about an oyster 46 at the moment, and a few year old oyster 46 fully kitted out would not be far off the finish price of a new gunfleet.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Not with you on the gunfleet I'm afraid... 475 + VAT

I'm having a hard think about an oyster 46 at the moment, and a few year old oyster 46 fully kitted out would not be far off the finish price of a new gunfleet.

Or for less you could have a properly built boat.

 

[haydude]

I think that two boat shows close within four months of each other and in the same area are too many for the SE UK market. All manufacturers are cutting and will dedicate all their efforts and funding to more popular shows like SIBS or Genova's SNI. LIBS definately does not make sense and I believe it should drop the "I".

 

[Koeketiene]

Do they still do the freebie Derby Day outing?

Would have to check - as I'm now part of a watch roster, I'm not as aware of mess activities as I once was.

 

[Koeketiene]

Not with you on the gunfleet I'm afraid... 475 + VAT

I'm not for one minute considering a Gunfleet (even if I had the money), but there were some nice features below decks.

 

[windpipe]

I too had a look at the Gunfleet, agree that down below she has some nice features but not a pretty boat to look at. Can you imagine being anchored in a bay, getting into your dinghy and looking back at that, no thanks, and for that price. I'd take the Oyster 46 anyday.

 

[windpipe]

Or for less you could have a properly built boat.

Do you think Rustler compete with Oyster?

 

[prv]

Down below, she's something else. Very innovative/luxurious. Some of their ideas may make an appearance on board Guapa.

Oh? What sort of things have they come up with?

I doubt many of their ideas will be transferable to a 24-foot Crabber, but you never know

Pete

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Do you think Rustler compete with Oyster?

Thats an interesting question, and I will try to answer it fairly as I did look at Oyster when I made my buying decision.

The first issue is that the ranges do not really overlap, apart from on one boat, so it only on this that you can make a direct comparison. The Oyster 46 and the Rustler 44

Size.
The Oyster is about 10% bigger in terms of total volume.

Configuration
Whilst both boats are designated as deck saloons, the Rustler has the option of a raised seating and saloon so you can "sit in and see out".

The Oyster is a centre cockpit, the Rustler is an aft cockpit. Personal choice.

Systems and components
Both builders use quality components from top range marine product suppliers, so I dont see real difference here.

Build quality
In my view Rustler are way ahead in this area. The woodwork is second to none and the engineering is excellent. On the surface most boats look good, but when you start looking behind lockers, under sole-boards and in spaces that are not readily visible, my view is that Rustler's "It has to be right" approach is unbeaten.

Now, before I get shouted at by every Oyster 46 owner, can I please say that these are just my personal opinions. Oyster's are nice boats, and we all have to make our own choices and we all place our priorities in different areas. I would just suggest that anyone considering either of these boats should look at both and see what feels best.

My next boat will be in the 50 to 60 foot range and I will again be looking at Oyster, Rustler and Discovery.


The article in this months Yachting World shows just how fortunate we are in Britain to have good builders to choose from.

Particularly nice boat on the front cover I thought.

 

[Koeketiene]

Just received an e-mail from LIBS

I've been selected...

...to receive a special ticket offer, as you have
not yet bought a ticket – but there's still time!

See almost 1000 boats on display including 45
never seen before in the UK . Plus with nearly 500
exhibitors, you can experience the best of boating
and watersports from just £12.*

Isn't that nice?

 

[Blue5]

Dissapointed with LIBS

Just got back from the show, first time we had been to LIBS and the last, very disappointing all round, at 4pm there were more exhibitors staff than people walking round and given that you would expect them to pounce but most were more interested in their mobile phones.
My own fault, went there to see a specific supplier who was not there, should have checked first!!

A bit third hand but one stallholder told us organisers were phoning around suppliers just before Christmas offering free stands to attract more interest.

Thought the sail handling demonstration rig and the crash test boat were excellent.

Compared to Southampton for the same price it is difficult to see how this event can survive, just my 2p worth.

 

[windpipe]

Thats an interesting question, and I will try to answer it fairly as I did look at Oyster when I made my buying decision.

The first issue is that the ranges do not really overlap, apart from on one boat, so it only on this that you can make a direct comparison. The Oyster 46 and the Rustler 44

Size.
The Oyster is about 10% bigger in terms of total volume.

Configuration
Whilst both boats are designated as deck saloons, the Rustler has the option of a raised seating and saloon so you can "sit in and see out".

The Oyster is a centre cockpit, the Rustler is an aft cockpit. Personal choice.

Systems and components
Both builders use quality components from top range marine product suppliers, so I dont see real difference here.

Build quality
In my view Rustler are way ahead in this area. The woodwork is second to none and the engineering is excellent. On the surface most boats look good, but when you start looking behind lockers, under sole-boards and in spaces that are not readily visible, my view is that Rustler's "It has to be right" approach is unbeaten.

Now, before I get shouted at by every Oyster 46 owner, can I please say that these are just my personal opinions. Oyster's are nice boats, and we all have to make our own choices and we all place our priorities in different areas. I would just suggest that anyone considering either of these boats should look at both and see what feels best.

My next boat will be in the 50 to 60 foot range and I will again be looking at Oyster, Rustler and Discovery.


The article in this months Yachting World shows just how fortunate we are in Britain to have good builders to choose from.

Particularly nice boat on the front cover I thought.

Thanks Solentboy, by your reply i take it you ended up buying the Rustler, if so which one? i also assume that the Oyster was more expensive? It is great to get opinions from others as people always vary on what they look for in a boat. I did look at the Rustler 44 (think it was a 44) at the Southampton boatshow back in September and for me they did not seem to be on the same level of Oyster, not as much wood/thinner doors but in themselves a great boat and for me certainly up there with the likes of Najad/HR. I guess as Oyster don't have anything that truly compares in size it is difficult to judge. It is however great to see these 2 British boatbuilders doing well - I will take a closer look at the Rustler at the next show. How do you feel they compare with the likes of Najad/HR/Southerly for build quality? Would you take the Rustler over these?

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Thanks Solentboy, by your reply i take it you ended up buying the Rustler, if so which one? i also assume that the Oyster was more expensive? It is great to get opinions from others as people always vary on what they look for in a boat. I did look at the Rustler 44 (think it was a 44) at the Southampton boatshow back in September and for me they did not seem to be on the same level of Oyster, not as much wood/thinner doors but in themselves a great boat and for me certainly up there with the likes of Najad/HR. I guess as Oyster don't have anything that truly compares in size it is difficult to judge. It is however great to see these 2 British boatbuilders doing well - I will take a closer look at the Rustler at the next show. How do you feel they compare with the likes of Najad/HR/Southerly for build quality? Would you take the Rustler over these?

I have a 44. It was the one at the show in Southampton and I was on it every day!

We must have done a very bad job for you, as the wood quality and joinery is the one area where most people think Rustler outdo Oyster. A lot less veneer, properly jointed structures, solid edge trims, no mirror polishing etc.

Personal view, but I would list the build quality in order as Rustler, Oyster, HR, Southerly, Najad.

See you next year.

 

[Resolution]

Thanks Solentboy, by your reply i take it you ended up buying the Rustler, if so which one?

Windpipe

I think the answer to your question is on the cover of Yachting World. And the name of the yacht manufacturer does indeed begin with R!

A bunch of us visited the Rustler yard in Falmouth last summer and you have to be impressed with their approach. High standards at the low volume end of the manufacturing game. And really nice guys to boot.


Edit: Bl*st! Beaten to the answer. Must speed up to three finger typing.

 

[windpipe]

I have a 44. It was the one at the show in Southampton and I was on it every day!

We must have done a very bad job for you, as the wood quality and joinery is the one area where most people think Rustler outdo Oyster. A lot less veneer, properly jointed structures, solid edge trims, no mirror polishing etc.

Personal view, but I would list the build quality in order as Rustler, Oyster, HR, Southerly, Najad.

See you next year.

Well a very fine boat you have indeed. Don't get me wrong, i was impressed with the boat and she is certainly a cut above most yacht manufacturers, i just never see them in the same league as Oyster, maybe because Oyster tend to built larger boats, i think they only start at a out 46'. i always looked at them against the HR/Najad/Malo with similar aft cockpit layouts. Rustler definitely have some stiff competition in that section so i guess their success in this range tells all.