SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW-were you bored?

[prv]

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 ?

Well, I might not be a new boat buyer, but I'm a genuine owner and berthholder and I haven't noticed anybody waving fistfuls of free tickets at me.

(Didn't want to go this year anyway - it was the raggie forum annual dinner in Cherbourg last weekend, we stayed that side for the following week to explore the Channel Islands, and being home today and back to work tomorrow I don't really have time for the Show.)

Pete

 

[Griffin Marine]

Great show for me saw loads of peeps I know saw some very interesting boats and great kit .
Great company at town quay Southampton Marina big thumbs up to the staff .
Great parties Friday and Saturday amazing entertainment by world class musician looking forward to the next meet up .
Tim

 

[markdj]

We spent 3 days from Thursday to Saturday and really enjoyed it. The range of boatie products was better than 2 years ago when I visited last and we caught up with some existing business suppliers.

The boats I saw round were, of course, the Princess 60, 68 and S72, Fleming 58, Sunseeker Manhattan 55, Fairline 50-something, Swift Trawler 50, Azimut Magellano 43, Hardy 62 and the French cat 52.

Boat of the show, for me, was probably the Fleming, the owner's cabin midships has really transformed the room onboard and the feeling of quality is just everywhere. What was most remarkable was when you stepped into the forward 4 bunk berth - it was wonderfully calming and quiet, that's the sort of long distance cruising boat you want for sure. The boat that would have been boat of the show but wasn't there would be the AquaStar 65 of course

Regarding the planing hull yachts, I can't help but say that the Princess 60 definitely won the show for me. I loved the layout, the galley, the view and ergonomics from the inside helm is leaps and bounds ahead of others, the sense of space, and the cabins all felt very roomy. Even the crew cabin with its panoramic stern facing window was class. The galley was really only possible because there was no internal stairs, and I certainly never missed them.

I have loads of photos from the show. https://plus.google.com/photos/112927249389096933840/albums/6061240218841285553

The 68 was similar, but everything was bigger. The crew cabin had full head height but no panoramic window, the galley and dinette was at the stern with the saloon forward though this is probably swappable?? The owner's cabin had its own stairway with twin washer dryers outside the door (easily customised to have one and more storage). The panoramic window going down the owner's staircase is magnificent, not sure if you would really like to see the waves coming at you in a big sea but still beautiful, none the less.

The S72 was definitely more of a Med boat with a smaller circular dinette beside helm and the inside saloon reduced with a larger aft cockpit and seating/dinette layout. The WOW moment was when I went down the sweeping circular staircase to the galley which was up forward, to port. The feeling of those stairs was wonderful, can't explain it. The helm was very sporty with charcoal leather seats with bright orange stitching and an orange stripe down the centre. (In the photo album)

I must also commend the Princess staff, they were excellent, friendly and well informed. I'll probably put up a few more thoughts soon.



Mark

 

[Talulah]

Took a friend with his boat to Town Quay Saturday morning then visited the show Saturday and Sunday. Have to say it was great to have a berth at Town Quay and spread the show over 2 days. The Southampton Town Quay staff are great and I would recommend this for anyone thinking of going next year with a boat in the area.
On the Sunday the friend spent £3k on VHF, Plotter and Instruments. I insisted he paid by credit card as it always worries me that some suppliers may fold immediately the show closes. I'm thinking of Pumkin Marine a few years back. Personally, I didn't make any purchases at the show.
I spoke to several stall holders. Only one was positive about turnout. Others were disappointed. One well known company stated they were 50% down on last year and despite the morning flyer from the organisers saying how turn out was up they just couldn't see that on the ground.
I did manage to get free tickets for the London Boat Show in January. I said to the stall holder these must be costing you money. His reply was "No. They are that desperate to get people to go." I won't be using the two tickets so I can be the first to offer 2 free tickets to the London boat Show.
I enjoyed the show. I understand this is the last year PSP are goig to be the main sponsors.

 

[Billy Blue]

I intend going so I' be happy to have those tickets.

 

[Talulah]

I intend going so I' be happy to have those tickets.

PM sent

 

[Trundlebug]

I went on the final Saturday, it was a good and productive day out.

Bought all the things I went for (and a few things I didn't) and looked around a few boats on the water.

Boat of the show for me was undoubtedly the Sabre 42. Excellent layout, just the right size, they hadn't tried to cram too much in which left the boat feeling spacious as well as well equipped. Superbly finished, practical layout and interesting design.

I was really impressed with the Haines 32 offshore too, a superb boat and very roomy for a 32 footer. Great value at starting price of £173k too, with loads of customisation available if required.

 

[pks1702]

We spent 3 days from Thursday to Saturday and really enjoyed it. The range of boatie products was better than 2 years ago when I visited last and we caught up with some existing business suppliers.

The boats I saw round were, of course, the Princess 60, 68 and S72, Fleming 58, Sunseeker Manhattan 55, Fairline 50-something, Swift Trawler 50, Azimut Magellano 43, Hardy 62 and the French cat 52.

Boat of the show, for me, was probably the Fleming, the owner's cabin midships has really transformed the room onboard and the feeling of quality is just everywhere. What was most remarkable was when you stepped into the forward 4 bunk berth - it was wonderfully calming and quiet, that's the sort of long distance cruising boat you want for sure. The boat that would have been boat of the show but wasn't there would be the AquaStar 65 of course

Regarding the planing hull yachts, I can't help but say that the Princess 60 definitely won the show for me. I loved the layout, the galley, the view and ergonomics from the inside helm is leaps and bounds ahead of others, the sense of space, and the cabins all felt very roomy. Even the crew cabin with its panoramic stern facing window was class. The galley was really only possible because there was no internal stairs, and I certainly never missed them.

I have loads of photos from the show. https://plus.google.com/photos/112927249389096933840/albums/6061240218841285553

The 68 was similar, but everything was bigger. The crew cabin had full head height but no panoramic window, the galley and dinette was at the stern with the saloon forward though this is probably swappable?? The owner's cabin had its own stairway with twin washer dryers outside the door (easily customised to have one and more storage). The panoramic window going down the owner's staircase is magnificent, not sure if you would really like to see the waves coming at you in a big sea but still beautiful, none the less.

The S72 was definitely more of a Med boat with a smaller circular dinette beside helm and the inside saloon reduced with a larger aft cockpit and seating/dinette layout. The WOW moment was when I went down the sweeping circular staircase to the galley which was up forward, to port. The feeling of those stairs was wonderful, can't explain it. The helm was very sporty with charcoal leather seats with bright orange stitching and an orange stripe down the centre. (In the photo album)

I must also commend the Princess staff, they were excellent, friendly and well informed. I'll probably put up a few more thoughts soon.



Mark

Thanks for the images.

 

[henryf]

The photos jogged my memory !

Fleming 58 was a very solid bit of kit and wonderfully put together. I'm not normally a fan of the more traditional interior but in this case there were some modern touches. The mirror ceilings in the bathrooms made them feel modern, loved the gentleman's club feel of the master cabin and those fender brackets - please !! Pure 1930s indulgence

Lagoon Cats. Totally left of centre in terms of what we would look at but very different to what I was expecting space wise. Clearly part of the Beneteau group in terms of fit & finish but interesting and exactly what the boat show is there for - seeing stuff you wouldn't ordinarily.

Princess 68 - details to follow and my star of the show.

Princess hospitality, really slick this year. Shown to a table, drinks order taken promptly and service was impeccable. The biscuits were excellent, sadly didn't last long enough for a photo and lovely mints to go with coffee.

English Harbour 27. Only had a quick look from the outside but painfully good looking. I know it wasn't finished, I know it didn't have any cleats fitted yet but who cares. That transom just needed stroking

Henry