Southampton Boat Show - 2023

[wonkywinch]

Plenty of other great stuff to look at. Transworld Yachts and other dealers with high-end stuff are unfailingly polite and accommodating.

Seconded. The guys at Hamble were more than happy to show us around a couple of HRs that were already sold and knew a new one was well out of our budget. They told me they treat everyone like this as they would like us to return as a customer one day. Ancasta could take a leaf out of their logbook.

 

[UK-WOOZY]

prices of new boats are ridiculous for what they are, buying new is crazy though, if second hand at least the previous owner has sorted any teething issues

 

[flaming]

prices of new boats are ridiculous for what they are, buying new is crazy though, if second hand at least the previous owner has sorted any teething issues

The problem is that if everyone took that view there wouldn't be any second hand boats....

 

[KeelsonGraham]

prices of new boats are ridiculous for what they are, buying new is crazy though, if second hand at least the previous owner has sorted any teething issues

Yeah, I keep telling myself that every time something else goes expensively wrong.

 

[jac]

prices of new boats are ridiculous for what they are, buying new is crazy though, if second hand at least the previous owner has sorted any teething issues

Whilst they may have fixed the teething issues, in my experience many then create a whole bunch of "exciting opportunities" for the new owner to tackle.

 

[KeelsonGraham]

Whilst they may have fixed the teething issues, in my experience many then create a whole bunch of "exciting opportunities" for the new owner to tackle.

Oh SOO true. I’m dealing with the expensive consequences of a water pump that has received no maintenance for 17 years.

 

[Whaup367]

Seconded. The guys at Hamble were more than happy to show us around a couple of HRs that were already sold and knew a new one was well out of our budget. They told me they treat everyone like this as they would like us to return as a customer one day. Ancasta could take a leaf out of their logbook.

Same- we were at the boat show a couple of years ago and the guys at Transworld were very helpful: we bought a boat from them a few weeks later.
Contrast to the Bavaria representatives who left us hanging and made no apparent attempt to help us, despite us having made an appointment to discuss our wants... if the pre sales experience is poor, I shudder to think what the after sales experience would be like!

 

[SaltyC]

prices of new boats are ridiculous for what they are, buying new is crazy though, if second hand at least the previous owner has sorted any teething issues

You would think so BUT......

I bought an 11 year old boat, the first owners 'forgot' the second set of keys so brought them down the following day.

By which time I said the Hot? water is only aired on hook up. Ahhh always has just run engine for 15mins to heat up!!!!!!! ???

10 mins after they depart, altered the immersion heater thermostat - Hey Presto HOT water.Plus a BIg ? over the engine running to heat water.

 

[Concerto]

Yesterday and today have been a tad wet and windy. The Premier Marina stand had some panels blown out overnight, the Walcon stand lost part of it canopy this afternoon and the BoatFolk stand also had a few problems. Some places in the marquees has some leaks and I know HMS Supplies had some stock water damaged.

The marina today was moving quite a bit today and I was on the Westerly Konsort for the morning. Luckily she was roughly head to wind and quite comfortable, but yachts tied across the wind certainly healed 4 to 5 degrees most of the time and abit more in some of the gusts. Virtually all the flags have been removed for safety. The outside pontoon got quite wet and was shut at times. Some of the small motor boats near the southern access ramp were certainly rocking and rolling. Luckily I was ashore (and stayed ashore) when the rain started and I believe they shut the pontoons for a short while. The rain continued all afternoon and very few people ventured down to view the boats. Some of the access doors to the marquees were locked to save them getting damaged by the wind and those on the windward side had security men opening and closing them.

This afternoon I had some interesting conversations with some exhibitors in the marquees, as we did not need 6 volunteers on the Westerly Owners Association stand.

The forecast for tomorrow is lighter winds and some showers. So, if you are coming, enjoy the show.

 

[Greg2]

Yesterday and today have been a tad wet and windy. The Premier Marina stand had some panels blown out overnight, the Walcon stand lost part of it canopy this afternoon and the BoatFolk stand also had a few problems. Some places in the marquees has some leaks and I know HMS Supplies had some stock water damaged.

The marina today was moving quite a bit today and I was on the Westerly Konsort for the morning. Luckily she was roughly head to wind and quite comfortable, but yachts tied across the wind certainly healed 4 to 5 degrees most of the time and abit more in some of the gusts. Virtually all the flags have been removed for safety. The outside pontoon got quite wet and was shut at times. Some of the small motor boats near the southern access ramp were certainly rocking and rolling. Luckily I was ashore (and stayed ashore) when the rain started and I believe they shut the pontoons for a short while. The rain continued all afternoon and very few people ventured down to view the boats. Some of the access doors to the marquees were locked to save them getting damaged by the wind and those on the windward side had security men opening and closing them.

This afternoon I had some interesting conversations with some exhibitors in the marquees, as we did not need 6 volunteers on the Westerly Owners Association stand.

The forecast for tomorrow is lighter winds and some showers. So, if you are coming, enjoy the show.

Forecasts led us to plan to attend tomorrow - we can live with a drop of rain and lower winds and as it is our first visit post-Covid visit we are very much looking forward to it
.

 

[colhel]

We always go on the last Friday cos it's always sunny that day

 

[onesea]

First time in over 10 years.

I went with thought of learning more about some of the electronics, as I am in the market. The manufacturer's sales persons product knowledge was poor, I walked away thinking I would not trust the info given.

I had in mind wireless wind gear and a particular display type. It was good to push buttons on the units see how they work.

One stand could give me a quote, but had to include log and sounder as well. The price was not worth dusting the cobwebs of my wallet for. Particularly when the manufacturer suggested selling the echosounder transducer and log as best solution. Suggesting prices I would get for them. They could not sell what I wanted other than in package. So what happens when 1 part braeks I have to buy another complete package?

We also where considering life-jackets, wanting to see what's new and improved etc. Only Andark on the way out actually supplied some info. Having tried some on it was ready to see which ones suited best, however they didn't have stock at show.

One chandlery we visited 3 times each time the stall holder was taking to her mates from boat shed.

I saw four in close proximity, Flexiteek J266, Elite Teak J306, Permateek J203, TekDek J351.

I think I asked at 3 out of the 4 stands, non could give a sensible answer about dogs claws and wear.

Lots of ribs, Sibs if that interests you from 8'to 40'.

Sail boat choices limited.
Misses liked the look of a couple but we are clearly not in the market we did not ask or get invited onboard.

Would I go back? Maybe when I am old have no boats and feel like a little nostalgia. I cannot think what I would go there to actually buy.

 

[zoidberg]

Would I go back? Maybe when I am old have no boats and feel like a little nostalgia. I cannot think what I would go there to actually buy.

The soft ice cream was rather good.... and, although I'm not really permitted it, there are packets of flavoured fudge to be had if you hunt them out!

 

[Greg2]

Well we had a thoroughly pleasant day at the show today. Plenty to look at - we only looked at a couple of mobos but went on a variety of yachts. As already mentioned, prices for new AWBs are ridiculous but we quite linked several of those that we looked at. Had a look at a Hallberg Rassy - just lovely!

Bumped into a friend who is also an engineer and had a good catch up as well as exploring possible work on our boat this winter. Picked up a Gill fleece/jumper at a reduced price but any saving was wiped out when we were right royally fleeced for a couple of pasties for lunch but that is par for the course for such events.

It’s a Boatshow - what’s not to like?!
.

 

[zoidberg]

It’s a Boatshow - what’s not to like?!

The equinoctial storms....

 

[Greg2]

The equinoctial storms....

It has, without doubt, been fairly hideous the last day or two but we were okay - we had heavy showers but they were relatively short lived and in between we had sunshine!

 

[steveeasy]

Well went last Friday and quite frankly id quite like to pop down again. Yes there were stands missing, but lots of people to talk too and get advice. Not sure it really is the place to hunt bargains down, more of a place to research and gain advice. Would have liked to research Decking materials.
Steveeasy

 

[MY littlebirchwoo]

A few Boat Show vids I have found

Love Life Love Boat

Cruising The Cut

Sailing Morning Vicar

Waggies Cruising

Boating, Sibbing and Wandering About

 

[MY littlebirchwoo]

Well we had a thoroughly pleasant day at the show today. Plenty to look at - we only looked at a couple of mobos but went on a variety of yachts. As already mentioned, prices for new AWBs are ridiculous but we quite linked several of those that we looked at. Had a look at a Hallberg Rassy - just lovely!

Bumped into a friend who is also an engineer and had a good catch up as well as exploring possible work on our boat this winter. Picked up a Gill fleece/jumper at a reduced price but any saving was wiped out when we were right royally fleeced for a couple of pasties for lunch but that is par for the course for such events.

It’s a Boatshow - what’s not to like?!
.

Interestingly I hummed and ha'd about a jacket at the show which was a 'special show price' and then thought, actually, I really wanted that jacket - went to Fox's on Wednesday, found the same jacket, in my size and 10 quid cheaper! So research done, Hardy 42 spotted, and like yourself, am looking at a saily thing next as well!

 

[oldmanofthehills]

It’s a Boatshow - what’s not to like?!
.

The inflated prices,
lack of actual stock in many cases (we were after an inflatable and wanted its packed size - and the brochures were useless
lack of aftermarket support if you do order at the show

And its in that seaside slum known as Southampton