Premier acquires Boatfolk

[benjenbav]

Have had a few emails recently from Premier urging me to book an annual berth.

It’s been more than 10 years since I last owned a boat and barring a rush of blood to the head at SIBS this week there is nothing boat-shaped on the horizon. But perhaps they know more than I do.

 

[rafiki_]

Spent some time resting my feet enjoyong their hospitality today. Seats overlooking the water, ate our sandwiches whilst enjoying their beer, wine and soft drinks.

Not a big customer, only spent about £1,500 with them on visitor berths, lift out and sail drive repair, Yanmar parts.

No hassle, friendly staff, free drinks (cost to them minimal). Boatfolk logos everwhere. Will I remember them positively? Absolutely.

Have had a few emails recently from Premier urging me to book an annual berth.

It’s been more than 10 years since I last owned a boat and barring a rush of blood to the head at SIBS this week there is nothing boat-shaped on the horizon. But perhaps they know more than I do.

I will help you choose your new craft on Friday

 

[benjenbav]

I will help you choose your new craft on Friday

Alright…

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I will help you choose your new craft on Friday

Alright…

Excellent plan chaps. Several lovely Azimuts to choose from. A few photos would be most welcome

 

[rafiki_]

Excellent plan chaps. Several lovely Azimuts to choose from. A few photos would be most welcome

I was thinking a new Magellano?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Or there’s also a nice 68 Fly. But amazingly even at that size it has IPS.

Azimut Fly 68 - flybridge, 68 foot yacht | Azimut Yachts

 

[Sticky Fingers]

 

[Wavey]

Why is there a lady with her hair in a bun sitting on the flybridge hardtop waving her left hand in the air?

 

[rafiki_]

Or there’s also a nice 68 Fly. But amazingly even at that size it has IPS.

Azimut Fly 68 - flybridge, 68 foot yacht | Azimut Yachts

No thanks. IPS . Too big for the 2 of us

 

[Paul1962]

Where is this? I’m paying £9,250 per year for a 13m boat. Do you get caviar, red carpet, full wash down and a daily massage?

If Only

 

[rafiki_]

Apologies to all those who might begrudge this, but I enjoyed a very nice mug of tea on the Boatfolk stand. Did I feel guilty? No!
I had a good chat with David from Boatcare. He is based at Haslar, and very much looking forward to Boatcare services being rolled out to Premier marinas that don’t offer similar services. Overall he is very positive about the Premier changes. Great to hear.

 

[lanerboy]

Can anyone give a good comparison of the shower facilities at a premier marina compared to a boatfolk marina, is one any better than the other ????

 

[Fire99]

Can anyone give a good comparison of the shower facilities at a premier marina compared to a boatfolk marina, is one any better than the other ????

No direct comparison but I would guess it varies from marina to marina. Bangor (NI) is a Boatfolk marina but is council owned but Boatfolk (now Premier) managed. The facilities have progressively gone downhill (and they were tired when I arrived) since I've been here (4 and a bit years) and it is allegedly due to refurbishment / replacement being the council's responsibility. Putting it bluntly, it seems here that since there has been near zero opportunity to grow the business here, it's been run on the thinnest shoe string ever. However, feedback from other marinas like Deacons are like a different world. So I'm not sure you can entirely compare based on the corporate identity on the door.

 

[rafiki_]

Can anyone give a good comparison of the shower facilities at a premier marina compared to a boatfolk marina, is one any better than the other ????

I only have experience of Boatfolk, at Portishead, Deacons and Haslar. Facilities are excellent. Well maintained.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Like Boatfolk, the Premier facilities vary a lot. Swanwick and Chichester are VG. Eastbourne, Southsea and Brighton, very much less so.

@rafiki_ what did you make of Noss when your boat was there?

 

[ashtead]

The advantage at Haslar is that the blocks are on pontoons or on the lightship Mary Mouse and fairly new at least for G pontoon At the Premier marinas I have seen it’s a trek up the bridge link to land. Those at Torquay are also subject to drug dealers exchanging their wares. Those at Brixham sometimes get rather dirty being across the pathway which is public walkway .I cannot comment on those at Eastbourne (rather soulless location) Chi used to be excellent marina provided you can cope with the lock and pigeons which seem to be a problem. Swanwick were always good. None are probably up to those at Berthon or Lym Yacht Haven .

 

[rafiki_]

Like Boatfolk, the Premier facilities vary a lot. Swanwick and Chichester are VG. Eastbourne, Southsea and Brighton, very much less so.

@rafiki_ what did you make of Noss when your boat was there?

There is a lot of £ going into Noss, with a new hotel, apartments and shops going up. So a lot of building when I was there. Also the slot where the Azi was moored was quite tight, hence my need to cast off at slack water. Having said that, the Dart is a fantastic location, and I would have no hesitation of a visit next year.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Yup I only had time for a quick p when I arrived, can’t remember what the bogs were like. Great spot though. Maybe the only marina in the uk that’s well served by a steam train.

 

[Lucky Duck]

That and Dart Haven marina

In my rather limited experience there is often seems to be an awkward cross wind as it get funnelled along the creek on the opposite shore

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Darthaven isn’t Premier or Boatfolk.