Southampton Boat Show - 2023

[Sandy]

Who is visiting the Southampton Boat Show in 2023?

Following five days sailing on Lake Solent I am visiting on the 23rd. I'm not convinced that the boat show management team read my rant on here about how I thought the withdrawal of the free RYA member offer was a bad idea, but am delighted to see that they have reinstated it.

I'm looking for 'narrow' solar panels to hang from the push pit and ideas for a cockpit enclosure and hope to see Brian from Le Tonkinois.

 

[jac]

I thought the withdrawal of the free RYA member offer was a bad idea, but am delighted to see that they have reinstated it.

Where did you see that it was re-instated? I can only see the 1/2 price offer and no interest in paying that.

 

[Tranona]

You may well get that if you are an OAP anyway.

 

[Sandy]

Where did you see that it was re-instated? I can only see the 1/2 price offer and no interest in paying that.

An email from the RYA some time ago. They had a stepped fee. Free before a date then 50% reduction. I've been sent my free ticket in PDF format.

 

[steveeasy]

Yes I’m going on the 15th. Are there any offers / discounts on entry fees .hopping I might find some good switch panel suppliers!!!!
Steveeasy

 

[Boathook]

Yes I’m going on the 15th. Are there any offers / discounts on entry fees .hopping I might find some good switch panel suppliers!!!!
Steveeasy

Jimmy green marine had a code last week that gave 50% of a ticket. Might still be there.

 

[Sandy]

Yes I’m going on the 15th. Are there any offers / discounts on entry fees .hopping I might find some good switch panel suppliers!!!!
Steveeasy

@halcyon who used to post on here (not logged in since November 2021) made bespoke switch panels

I thought I saw @PaulRainbow's name on a picture of a panel with his logo on it. Might be worth a DM.

 

[Tranona]

Yes I’m going on the 15th. Are there any offers / discounts on entry fees .hopping I might find some good switch panel suppliers!!!!
Steveeasy

Afraid you will be out of luck. All you will see is what is in the catalogues from Blue Sea, Vetus and the usual selection of Chinese panels. The demise of the UK boat building industry resulted in most of the small subcontractors also disappearing as the client base shrank. When I was looking 2 years ago I could not find anybody to make a panel - the firm I had used 20 years ago in Southampton had closed and owner retired except for Axon, but they have gone now. I was told that there is somebody in Norfolk that makes the panels for the canal cruisers that go to France, but I never managed to track them down.

If I were doing it again I would make my own like Paul Rainbow. Design the layout, have it CNC cut and etched then fit the circuit breakers and wiring. A lot of work for a one off, but the components are cheap.

 

[Greg2]

Afraid you will be out of luck. All you will see is what is in the catalogues from Blue Sea, Vetus and the usual selection of Chinese panels. The demise of the UK boat building industry resulted in most of the small subcontractors also disappearing as the client base shrank. When I was looking 2 years ago I could not find anybody to make a panel - the firm I had used 20 years ago in Southampton had closed and owner retired except for Axon, but they have gone now. I was told that there is somebody in Norfolk that makes the panels for the canal cruisers that go to France, but I never managed to track them down.

If I were doing it again I would make my own like Paul Rainbow. Design the layout, have it CNC cut and etched then fit the circuit breakers and wiring. A lot of work for a one off, but the components are cheap.

The company in Norfolk was most likely Brian Ward. They have been doing panels for many years and supplied Brooms (they are next door to their yard) amongst other builders and they have done various things for us. I would recommended them having been a customer for many years.
.

 

[Clancy Moped]

Last time I went I bought a boat, sod that for a game of soldiers.

 

[steveeasy]

Afraid you will be out of luck. All you will see is what is in the catalogues from Blue Sea, Vetus and the usual selection of Chinese panels. The demise of the UK boat building industry resulted in most of the small subcontractors also disappearing as the client base shrank. When I was looking 2 years ago I could not find anybody to make a panel - the firm I had used 20 years ago in Southampton had closed and owner retired except for Axon, but they have gone now. I was told that there is somebody in Norfolk that makes the panels for the canal cruisers that go to France, but I never managed to track them down.

If I were doing it again I would make my own like Paul Rainbow. Design the layout, have it CNC cut and etched then fit the circuit breakers and wiring. A lot of work for a one off, but the components are cheap.

That’s a shame. The only panal I can find that are decent are sold by force 4. I’m not doing all that work and fitting a poor switch panel.
Not sure I’m up to sourcing all the bits. But I might have to give it a go.
Still I want to choose a anchor windlass. A new mast ring. Deck gear to set up single line reefing oh and canvass, auto pilot and a few other bits. So not entirely a waste of time.
Steveeasy

 

[steveeasy]

Last time I went I bought a boat, sod that for a game of soldiers.

How cool would that be. Can’t have everything.
Steveeasy

 

[Wansworth]

Last time I went I helped deliver “Sidewinder” a Kelsall designed proa to the pontoons……..for get now which year

 

[steveeasy]

Jimmy green marine had a code last week that gave 50% of a ticket. Might still be there.

Thanks for that. yes 19 instead of 32. that will do nicely. Ill treat my friend then to a free ticket.

Steveeasy

 

[colind3782]

I received a free any day ticket but I can't use it as I'm recovering from surgery and I can't do an eight hour round trip drive. I can send (email) it to anyone that wants it. Form an orderly queue ladies!

PM your email address, first come first served.

 

[wonkywinch]

Yes I’m going on the 15th. Are there any offers / discounts on entry fees .hopping I might find some good switch panel suppliers!!!!
Steveeasy

A couple of codes to try YM2023, HUDSONMARINE or FLEXSBO. They will get you tickets at £19.99 instead of £32 but if you're over 60 (or other concession like NHS etc) you can get a ticket for £17 buying directly.

Get tickets for Southampton International Boat Show 2023

 

[pioneer]

Yes I’m going on the 15th. Are there any offers / discounts on entry fees .hopping I might find some good switch panel suppliers!!!!
Steveeasy

KDD Powercentre may be worth a look. Seem to do custom panels as well as direct/updated replacement panels for Westerlies and Sealine. Always found them very helpful, knowledgable and friendly.

 

[Skylark]

Last time I went I bought a boat, sod that for a game of soldiers.

I feel your pain. I bought mine at 2013 Soton Boat Show.
With its fin keel, spade rudder, fat arse, teak deck, drop-down transom, twin wheels and any other features which are so disapproved of by the real sailors on here, it has brought me endless joy

 

[Airscrew]

I'm looking for 'narrow' solar panels to hang from the push pit and ideas for a cockpit enclosure and hope to see Brian from Le Tonkinois.

+1 for LeTonqinois. It is amazing stuff. Both on the boat and garden teak

 

[sail sail]

I'm going. Need a new lifejacket.