Southampton Boat Show 2022

[Bigplumbs]

As is usual we have travelled from Suffolk to the Show once again. As I get older the show gets more and more tiring but still worth the visit we feel. Good show this year but a little smaller I thought. There were a few new companies their in particular Neptune Ribs giving the old lags a run for their money and also some nicely priced centre console boats.

Here is a short video of our trip

 

[Bigplumbs]

So who else has been and what did you think

 

[dtm8123]

Was there on Sunday.

I also thought it was slightly smaller but still an enjoyable day out. It was very busy when I was there.

 

[Flyingspanner]

We visited today and agree it felt smaller especially the inside areas and stands, the on-water was as I remember it maybe a bit bigger- still a lack of seating for drinks/lunch but overall still glad we made the journey, it was my fiancé first visit and she enjoyed it but as compensation for me having a ‘full boat day ‘ she got to chose what we do tomorrow - Monkey World Ape rescue centre it is - yippee ?

 

[Parabolica]

We’re going tomorrow but fortunately get some VIP treatment to boot so should be good.

Will report back in due course.

 

[ST840]

I went Saturday. Was definitely smaller. I was surprised to not see an MDL lounge as normal , poor show by them I think seeing as Boatfolk and Premier were there.
The pontoon display was also smaller and lacking "classic" boat makers.
My favourites were the Dale 37 and the Targa 46. Also the free bar at the fairline stand.

 

[James jameson]

I went on Saturday. Enjoyed the show,,,, highlight for me were
Flemming - such a beautiful timeless classic motor yacht and the military boats

The Fairey Saber, had to be the most beautiful finished wooden boat, really stood out to me and such amazing craftsman’s ship
The attention to detail and everything bespoke
Even the cleats have Sabre cast in to them

I can only dream !

 

[Parabolica]

We had a great day today at SIBS. It was definitely not busy and i’d say that the faces of the various sales folk told a story, not unexpected I must say but i do hope to be wrong on this. However this of course made our day very good as there was open acces to everything and no queuing. And for us, fortunately starting with the VIP parking and entry treatment courtesy of Sunseeker London. It was great to have their chalet to return to throughout the day to rest our weary soles.

Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline all had great products on show.

Ribeye are making a fantastic product too with their ribs and XO boats now too.

The 36’ Cockwells express cruiser was nice but we both thought the internal trim was poorly executed for any boat let alone one costing £400k+

- I love the upper helm position and the view it provides on the Sunseeker 65’ Sport Yacht.
- Princess do hand rails and grab poles better than everyone
- Fairline had highest quality interior finishes
- Why do some of the above still design and fit internal doors that can clash with each other ruining their surface finish when this can be designed out?
- Some of the EU products maybe lower priced but christ they can look quite “shonky” in their build quality
- Gotta love a SeaDoo with 230bhp
- V12 & 600 Bhp in an outboard. What’s not to like ?
- Looking forward to taking ownership of my own boat next month, even more than I already was now !!!

 

[Bigplumbs]

What is the new boat you are taking delivery of

 

[Parabolica]

It’s not new but it is new to me After nearly a year of searching, many trips to the UK southcoast, 3x to Majorca, one to Athens and one to Holland, i have bought a very well cared for 2010 Sunseeker Predator 60.

its in Majorca where it will stay and i’m back out on Monday for the survey and seatrial. Can’t wait !

 

[Bigplumbs]

It’s not new but it is new to me After nearly a year of searching, many trips to the UK southcoast, 3x to Majorca, one to Athens and one to Holland, i have bought a very well cared for 2010 Sunseeker Predator 60.

its in Majorca where it will stay and i’m back out on Monday for the survey and seatrial. Can’t wait !

That looks like a significant boat buying journey but sounds like you have a lovely boat in a lovely location to soon enjoy. Exciting times

 

[julians]

It’s not new but it is new to me After nearly a year of searching, many trips to the UK southcoast, 3x to Majorca, one to Athens and one to Holland, i have bought a very well cared for 2010 Sunseeker Predator 60.

its in Majorca where it will stay and i’m back out on Monday for the survey and seatrial. Can’t wait !

where in majorca is it now? and where will you keep it?

 

[Parabolica]

Currently it is in Cala Nova but cannot keep it there (although am trying other avenues still), so have been offered a berth in Alcudia which looks a lovely marina all the same.

And yes BigPlumbs, first boat and had to get it right, within my budget of course. The more i saw, the more i learned and consequently the more i felt i had to continue the search to find the right boat. It could easily have gone one of three ways at the finish line but the Pred won the day.

I’ll try and do a proper write up soon with some pics about it all where it’s almost certain that I shall find out then, that i should have bought an Itama

 

[timbad]

Congratulations
A lovely boat with hours of fun and enjoyment to follow, guaranteed regardless of hull angles !!

 

[benjenbav]

Currently it is in Cala Nova but cannot keep it there (although am trying other avenues still), so have been offered a berth in Alcudia which looks a lovely marina all the same.

And yes BigPlumbs, first boat and had to get it right, within my budget of course. The more i saw, the more i learned and consequently the more i felt i had to continue the search to find the right boat. It could easily have gone one of three ways at the finish line but the Pred won the day.

I’ll try and do a proper write up soon with some pics about it all where it’s almost certain that I shall find out then, that i should have bought an Itama

Congrats. Hope you enjoy it. Look forward to pix!!!

 

[mattonthesea]

Agreed it felt smaller and quieter, although that might have been because of the day after the funeral.

Main thing I noticed in three years absence was the number of lithium products and electrical management systems stalls. I asked a few of them about wiring diagrams but only one could answer sensibly.

Greater proportion of motor boats than I remembered

 

[Bigplumbs]

Agreed it felt smaller and quieter, although that might have been because of the day after the funeral.

Main thing I noticed in three years absence was the number of lithium products and electrical management systems stalls. I asked a few of them about wiring diagrams but only one could answer sensibly.

Greater proportion of motor boats than I remembered

Lithium is not as simple as many think and to be honest if your old lead Acid cells are doing the job I would stick with them

 

[TeamSpirit]

Attended on Friday, much smaller scale show on the whole and not particularly well attended as in previous years I thought. Perhaps the rain put people off.
Very few equipment and clothing stores this year, noticeably absent the Marine Superstore and Force 4 but also many smaller suppliers absent, or had scaled down their offerings, for example Jimmy Green who i missed twice before finding them in the ocean hall . If you went to seek the anticipated SBS offers to purchase your new set of waterproofs, or wanted a new PLB. radio, fender, or simply to replace a light you will, like me be slightly disappointed.
Given the need for people to take a rest and notwithstanding the legislative requirement to provide disabled and less well able folks access (which you might have thought would also included somewhere to rest up) I found a total lack of seating for attendees unacceptable. Usual offerings of overpriced non-descript burgers and drinks stalls also had insufficient seating to eat.
Pontoon offerings of usual standard and nice to see some new vessels and boat manufacturers entering the market.
Caught Tom Cunliffes session in the afternoon which was, as always worth a watch. Thanks Tom !

 

[Bigplumbs]

Yes I agree with you on all points. Especially the lack of places to sit for a while. If it were not for the mound behind the food places it would be unbearable rest wise.

I wonder what the future of the show will be ?

 

[russ]

Did the show in around 4 hours. I didn’t need anything so no need to compare purchases. We said the same regarding places to sit and rest.
Not sure we will go next year unless I’m shopping.