SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW-were you bored?

[Deleted User YDKXO]

We had someone with us who is disabled and cant walk far - we asked for a pass at the entrance which allowed us to bypass the bridges and cross the roads as a group. It also allowed me to pick the group just along from Town Quay.

Until a few weeks ago, my SWMBO was using sticks to get about with so it would have been easy to demonstrate her disability but now she's getting about fine without them. It's just the bridges that cause her difficulty. To be fair to the security staff, they were just doing their job. They can't be expected to allow entry to every Tom, Dick, Harry and middle aged woman who comes along claiming to have had a broken leg. My beef is really that until a few years ago, anybody could get in and out of the exhibition at the Town Quay entrance but now the jobsworths have taken over

 

[burgundyben]

Golden Arrow Marine ran a little competition for hearing stories about Perkins engines, I wrote in how the original Perkins had been in Playtime for nearly 50 years and why I'd put a second pair in (see Redjet post). The prize was 2 tickets and a bottle of fizz, so yesterday afternoon while, ahem, 'working from home' I took dad and we had a look around.

Is presentation important?

I still can't get past how poorly finished so many of the boats are. The big Hardy had an area on the blue hull spotted with white flaws in the gel? Or Paint? Either way, just not good enough. And for crying out loud, its the boatshow! if you've got a bronze skin fitting on the water line right by the pontoon get it polished!

The big Squeeker afloat had a line of sealant between two mouldings clearly finished by finger, really? Really? The best they can do? This thing is millions and stuck together with the same mentality I'd expect to see on a bright orange 1970's Fletcher on ebay. Laminated handrails! Not even solid teak. Jeez. I really just can't connect with Squeeker styling, its all over the place.

On another boat, open launch, about 8mtrs, ashore, can't remember its name, the woodwork was appalling. Like something Kenny Everett's character Reg Woodcut would have done.

If the product is visibly shabby how well is the hull laid up? How well is the machinery installed? It makes me wonder.

I felt the the Hardy/Seaward etc types looked like they were making more effort to provide products with some differentiation, the Fairline and Sunseeker in particular appeared to be selling more of the same and not trying very hard. i thought that last year too, so maybe its me, afterall, not my kind of boat.

Cheetah Marine, great product, great firm, those boys are selling lots of boats. Excellent effort.

By contrast, i went to see a chum on a new 64ft saily yacht, Scandinavian build. Absolute perfection.

 

[Nick_H]

We went yesterday and had a good day. As usual, we looked at the Princess and Fairline offerings around the size of ours and a bit bigger, all very nice but nothing radical, though I have to disagree with Hurricane as I thought the P68 was really nice, a big airy saloon, I liked the seperate access to the master cabin, and i'm a definite convert to the galley aft layout.

Then we decided to look at different sizes and styles of boats just for a bit of fun, so we went on the 98' Princess, 76' Nordhaven, 58' Flemming, 57' Hanse sailing yacht, and 52' Loggon catamaran sailing yacht, all of whch were great in their own way. I was really surprised and impressed with the size of the cabins in the catamaran, like four master cabins you'd get in a 50 foot mobo, all with big en-suites. I'd always assumed they would be really narrow cabins in the hulls, but they cleverly use the sweep of the inside section of the hull for the beds. I think we may even charter one in the carribean the winter after next, as they look great fun.

There was more food choice, though the champagne bar wasn't serving seafood (or any food) as in previous years, so it was actually a step back for us, and I agree with everyone else that the one way system for the up ramp is ridiculous and insulting.

 

[Dyflin]

I visited the show yesterday for only the second time and enjoyed it immensely. I got a good look around the Flemming 58 and while it's a thing of beauty and craftsmanship, I was quite disappointed with the saloon, it just felt a bit small for a boat of that size. The foredeck also suffered from a lack of seating or usable space. For a boat that's built for long term cruising, it just seemed short on options especially when LOA and price-tag were taken into account. Still a very impressive vessel all the same.

I was especially interested in looking at the Finnish Targa boats. They have received mixed reviews on here and I was keen to see one in the flesh, especially the 32 and how the aft cabin worked in relation to when the saloon was in use. What a waste of time it was, I stopped off and had a good look over the exterior. There was no-one aboard, so I thought, fine, I'll come back later. When I did, still no-one aboard and I could see the salesmen on the Targa's either side doing their best not to connect with potential customers at all, locked away in the saloon with doors shut and keeping their heads down. Wessex Marine must have full order books and a sold sign on every brokerage boat because they couldn't have been less helpful or useful for the brand. And I wasn't the only person standing around looking over the boats.

I thought this show an improvement on the last show I attended in 2012.

 

[superheat6k]

Spent a few hours today on my own looking at the shore stands, as SWMBO and the kids insist on me stop keep stopping, so look at the boats time on Saturday for me. Had a look also on a couple of Fairlines and a Broom. Liked the Broom.

Apart from the shrinkage since 2008 I am sure they simply roll it all up in a box and then unroll it in the same format again the next year, and yes in my view this is getting a bit monotonous. I am sure they could get rid of at least one footbridge, and perhaps move the stand layout round a bit at least. Even the hall names are the same each year.

Come on PSP - you have a marvellous location here, surely some variety would stop it getting stale.

 

[Lozzer]

Had a very good session at the boat show today. Entered through Town Quay no problem, perhaps they have read the feedback on the forum.

Met with Mastervolt to discuss batteries for new yacht. We have selected Lithium Ion which are eye wateringly expensive but packed with great features. The biggest selling points were weight (or lack of). 200kg vs 1000kg. On a sailboat that a big difference. Charging times are very fast meaning less generator hours and the life span is estimated to be 2000 full discharge cycles. I also like the fact you can use 70% of the resource.

F-rib was another interesting company. We found a 3.3m rib capable of taking a 15hp outboard. Rib folds down to 1m x 90cm x 45cm. Just perfect for fitting in lazarette when not in use.

Raymarine very helpful in helping us finalise the nav equipment for new yacht.

We also had meeting with sail makers but that's for a different forum.

All in all very impressed with the quality of people on the stands.

Only negative was £22 for 3 baguettes and drinks...bit much in my opinion but hey ho in the scheme of things nothing compared to what we had committed to spend.

 

[admillington]

My son and I went on Saturday and had a great time - yes, everyone is where they were last year but so what, easy to find the people you want to talk to.

Have speced up a new Williams - they have changed the hull to make it drier and has a new engine as well.

Shame we weren't there when this was going on at the Fairline Stand! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UytqjvO3ZdQ&feature=youtu.be

 

[Cozzy]

Today, Monday, visitors holding tickets were being allowed in at the Town Quay entrance after 10 am. Before that it was exhibitors only.

The first dealer we were visiting asked to us to present tickets at the Town Quay entrance and call her with any problems. We just showed our tickets and they let us in with a friendly "have a nice day"

Even the little guy on the down ramp showed some initiative by letting us up the "exhibitors exit" when it was quiet.

All in all, we found that everybody was in a jovial mood except one dealer principle who, to be perfectly honest, should hire a sales consultant to teach him about body language.

We both enjoyed the show and return later this morning to have another look at our favourite boats and start negotiations.

 

[RogerRat]

We both enjoyed the show and return later this morning to have another look at our favourite boats and start negotiations.

Can't wait to hear how it went.

Squadron 42 or Targa 48?
So different...


RR

 

[Cozzy]

Squadron 42 or Targa 48?
So different...
RR

Indeed. The 48 will not work for us but it doesn't stop me liking it. My wife says it's not practical which is true, but then neither is her coupe as she borrows by car when she needs to carry passengers

Edit:
oops - this is were you bored thread ?

You can blame RR, I just responded

 

[mjf]

I was not bored at all - actually i think the show is rather good and I like the same stands in similar places each year - unlike tescos which moves stuff and means you waste time hunting the mango chutney place.

I have been twice on Monday and Wednesday and plan a trip again today as missed few bits.

I liked the Fleming a lot - alongside me is a 55 which i have joined on several trips and rafted too so know the boat quite well. The 58 is a huge jump and rather fab.

I was quite taken by the varnished teak - next doors is plain. I was told its not vanished but F/G! Blimey I was unaware that you could have gel coat that looks like properly varnished teak taff rail.

I have until this year been a cherry wood man for internals but have to say the fabric and woods on the large princess yachts has changed my mind - The 88 is all Fendi inspired and works very well indeed IMHO

The Broom and Elling were viewed and on both the companionway steps seem to me to be narrow


Sailboats and electronics today i think!

Oh! had a natter on the IPC stand and indeed it was the lack of ad/ revenue that caused the death of MBM, great shame as the three recent editions I read were a massive improvement and the mag had really upped its game to former glory

 

[burgundyben]

I was not bored at all - actually i think the show is rather good and I like the same stands in similar places each year - unlike tescos which moves stuff and means you waste time hunting the mango chutney place.

You are right, I've spent more time looking for mango chutney than I have at boat shows.

 

[rwoofer]

Already thinking of moving on from the MF645?
We were at the show Friday, Sunday & tomorrow. We will also probably go a further couple of times. Lots of boats, food, sun and free beer thanks to MDL.
We keep passing by the Merry Fisher 855 show boat as ours is still a couple of weeks away from finishing build in France. However, I am being tempted by the Elan Power 30 .... maybe next year.

Ahem....yes thinking about it.

Having been up (topped out at 44ft) and down the sizes (20ft, which I still have alongside the 645) in sailing boats, I am now much more conscious of what going up means, in terms of compromise. We like the 645 because of the cheap running costs, the ability to beach it or simply drag it along by the anchor chain to get in very close to the beach and really like the lack of hassle factor that comes with small boats. Reasons for upgrading include:

- We are a family of 5 and would like just a little bit more seating space to be comfortable and the opportunity to invite guests every now and then.
- We would like the ability to handle the Solent chop a little better so we can get further afield.
- We would like to try the odd weekend sleeping aboard.

The question is whether I can put up with the increased hassle and running costs. For example if it was a 855 we would not be able to rely on jerrycans from the local garage, so not only will we be using more fuel, it will cost a lot more as well.

Look forward to your feedback and experiences in moving from the 645 to the 855. (personally I didn't think the Elan 30 was a patch on the 855 in terms of use of space)

 

[Nigelpickin]

Well we've just arrived and are definitely mot bored. Only got as far as the kyacks by th e entrance and already wishing we had more than a day and a half...
Feel like a couple of kids in a toy shop...happy days

 

[Seastoke]

what have anyone bought

 

[wonky]

I bought a pork roll and they tried to charge me a quid extra for crackling!! Outrageous!

 

[apollo]

Seemed to be a monopoly on Pepsi when all I wanted was a coke!

 

[Nigelpickin]

Thought the show was good as ever, enjoyed some nice hospitality and great veiwings courtesy of PMY...very nice boats but perhaps a little too bling for a Chav like me....
Other than going up to buy a tender we were taking a semi serious look at some big cats....I think the decision is made and in a couple of years it'll be big sails and blue sky's for us....
Probably won't do SIBS again, love the show but not keen on the location...it's really sad to see how far the Grand Harbour has fallen in just a few years...

Seemed very busy at the show today though, it will be interesting to see the visitor numbers when they are released....

 

[henryf]

A great show. Free tickets - why do people moan about the ticket price when most genuine buyers / owners get in for free courtesy of their manufacturer / marina / supplier / favourite boat forum ?

Lots of boats including a few brand new ones - there will be a few words coming on the new Princess 68. Bought a pair of shoes and more excitingly some stabilised binoculars, where else do you get to see and touch so much much stuff with experts on hand to advise? Hospitality from several exhibitors, lots of people I knew, great party Friday night which got a bit messy, Pontoon BBQ last night at Southampton Town Quay where we laughed so much before being entertained by a world famous musician, then wake up to streaming sunshine in readiness for today's session.

If that's boring you must live a hell of a life.

Oh and that doesn't make mention of a run out in the boat to shake it down after the annual clean to get here.

Henry

 

[z1ppy]

i wasn't bored there but have to be honest and say i didn't stay for long!

Thanks to Sunseeker and Porsche for Parking and entrance to the show.

Quick look around the Sunseeker stand which was brilliant as usual. (they are SO good at letting everyone on all boats! really very refreshing even if people had to queue a little!

Waked around the pontoons. i guess part of boating which makes it so much fun is everyones likes are different. honestly, this year the big boats did not do it for me! past the big princess and sunseekers.

On the water with Windy was DRACO which looked very interesting. no one around to talk to but for me it was missing any practical things like a fridge / toilet for a +90K boat!
http://dracoboats.com

XO boats were on the water with their 240 Cabin and new 270 cabin.

Now i like these boats a lot and have come close to buying but the 240. the 270 is A LOT bigger and whilst the front cabin is small. it does the job! would love to see one with twin outboards, would be a very nice little boat.

Had a long chat with Scorpion ribs who were helpful as always and had the lovely BAR rib there. whilst on the face of it, the T top looks a little strange, in the half hour i was talking it grew on me and when i heard what they were planning with it, it makes perfect sense. some interesting developments coming from the Scorpion range i suspect and great that a small british company is supporting the BAR Team for Americas cup push!

On the way out i spotted the Grandezza 27 on Bates wharf stand. really nice little boat and great for UK boating and when we are back looking for something like this, it will be on the list for sure!

http://www.grandezza.fi/en/models/27-oc-2


i still find myself looking for a modern day equivalent to the Huntsman 28...