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mjf

mjf

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So, who is up for the Thursday late night party this year?


This site is very quiet on show front this year

I missed the opening day for a change as thought it would be easier to walk about on Monday. I wonder how long it will be before we get some visitor feed back from todays preview day?


look forward to a beer with some forum chaps on Thursday
 
mjf said:
So, who is up for the Thursday late night party this year?


This site is very quiet on show front this year

I missed the opening day for a change as thought it would be easier to walk about on Monday. I wonder how long it will be before we get some visitor feed back from todays preview day?


look forward to a beer with some forum chaps on Thursday
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Yep, looking forward to catching up on Thursday Mike.
 
Spent the day sort of working. Well interested had been visitors. More peripheral exhibitors and the aisles seem wider than previously. Exhibitors outnumbered visitors. Do not see how it can survive
 
I won't make it this year alas, except possibly the afternoon of the second Friday. I'm working in Asia all week. I hope it's a good show.
 
Went today. Great stand by the big three. Very impressive. Lots of interest on the smaller stands and it had a bit of a buzz. It's not Cannes, but it's on the doorstep. Got answer to some technical questions that I wanted and saw things I wanted to. Has helped me on a few levels.
 
mjf said:
maybe meet up at MB&Y on Thursday

I'm having a rethink on Monday as the tube strike will mean numbers right down, the extra traffic will be a nightmare.

might do what Hurricane is planning and get Thurs pm with SWMBO and do Friday solo.
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I'll PM my mob number.
 
The layout of the show has changed since I was last there. You can access the eateries between the halls without a ticket, and there is much more in the way of seats and tables which means that sitting on the floor isn't needed any more. My Burger and Mrs FP's Burrito were actually pretty good for Boat Show Food, compared to SIBS. Ask for a wristband if you want to leave to eat and return. Entrance is "S7". Parking is easy, plenty of spaces, £15 for the day.

The number of boats outside at the dock, is errm, zero, which is a shame, so no point going downstairs any more.

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It's easy to take pictures that suggest that the show is empty if you wait for the right moment.

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But although it was easy to move around, there were clusters of people, and the density varied considerably.
If anything, the "chandlery" end of the hall seemed much busier.

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The Sunseeker Stand was popular, as usual.

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Sealine had a small stand with the S330, C330 and F530.
This is the helm of the C330. The forward cabin is much better than the S330, but the rest of the boat ends up feeling a bit limited. I'd prefer the S330, given a choice.

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If you include the "punishment cabin" on the F530, that makes it a four cabin boat.

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The flybridge would be a pleasant place to spend time, and the forward seating area is something I can see becoming more popular.

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Flybridge helm is well protected, and you don't feel as if you're about to fall out.

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Fairline had a decent stand. No photos, sorry, but we looked over a T48 without getting the third degree, which was good. There was also a 53 and something else that I can't remember. T48 compares well to Princess V48 in many respects.

I can see why the Beneteau Swift Trawlers are popular - lots of practical touches, big side decks, big windows, fine bow entry hull for a soft ride at moderate speeds.
Who needs 40kts anyway?

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The Bene GT 40 has a fab cockpit with the central driving position, but it would be a lot more perfect if they found a way of getting more light into the central cabin.
Ignoring the black hole mid cabin, I really liked it.

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If you were in the market for a posh dayboat, e.g. a Windy, also worth looking at the Cormate SportMate, which was finished to a very high standard.

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Or a Chris Craft...

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There were also a few classic powerboats tucked away.

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I really can't imaging lying face down in this thing, trying to steer through the spray at ridiculous speeds.
Would you be allowed to face the other way and steer with your feet?

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Apparently this was a "barn find". Built in 1973, it's a "KindsVater Jet Boat". Gelcoat, upholstery, engine, drive are all original.
What would this sound like with a V8 and no silencers?

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True to type, the immediate reaction of most people who are about to have their arms ripped off by an angry robot is to get a phone out and film their own demise.

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The pools at the far end were busy wrapping up kids in drysuits and throwing them in with paddleboards.
There were also some fun demonstrations with powered paddleboards.

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Well I was there looking at sailing boats, better for you guys.

However Princess lost a potential customer as my 13 year old son was told he couldn't have a look round. Other stands much more friendly! So when he turns out to be the next Bill Gates he will be looking elsewhere!
 
The only thing that interests me at the moment is an upcoming electronics refit. Looking at the list of exhibitors they are a bit light on electronics:
  • B&G - No
  • Furuno -No
  • Garmin - Yes
  • Lowrance - No
  • Raymarine - Yes
  • Seiwa - No
  • Simrad - No
Does anyone know if the missing ones are represented by dealers with displays of actual kit?
It's a long slog by train from the Welsh border where I live so not willing to come on the off chance.
 
Flowerpower, thanks so much for your post and photos, enjoyed those, especially the classics. I've never managed to get down to any of these shows, your photos are a nice virtual tour, cheers
 
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