free digital magazine motorboat · free digital magazine sea ray 240da l used boat self survey l...

FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Sea Ray 240DA l Used Boat Self Survey l LBS Review

FEBRUARY 2017 OwnerA�ordable practical boating

Motorboat

BOAT TEST

Sargo 31 ExplorerDestination Guide PADSTOW

October 2013

Motorboat OwnerDigital Marine Media LtdSuite 6 Philpot House,Station Road,Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7HH t: 01268 [email protected]

contact usEditor, Neale Byart01268 [email protected]

Associate Editor, Claire Frew01268 922993 [email protected]

Welcome to the February issue. Despite its detractors, the London Boat Show was a bit of a success. Exhibitor numbers were up, and reports from many of them were of improved year on year sales. It is difficult to hide the fact that a large section of the boating public haven’t taken Excel to heart, visiting numbers were a little down, but those who were inthe market were taking the opportunity to From the Editor

2 February 2017

mailto:editorial%40motorboatowner.co.uk?subject=mailto:neale%40motorboatowner.co.uk?subject=mailto:claire%40motorboatowner.co.uk?subject=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Motorboat-Owner/514554131955625https://twitter.com/Motorboat_Ownerhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAoY6_v_MrPCfW9mL_sJauA

welcom

e aboard

Sub Editor, Pam BornProduction Editor, John Frew

Advertising: 01268 922994Brokerage, classified & displayAdvertising Manager, John [email protected]

Subscriptions: 01268 922991 [email protected]

Contributors:John Watts, Kat YoungDavid Bagshaw SMYC Cover photo: The Sargo 31 Exploreron test in home waters by Neale Byart

examine their options all in one place, and clearly many of them were signing on the dotted line. There was definitely a certain vibrancy about the show, and the layout was significantly improved over years gone by where the show was cut in half by the Sunseeker stand. It was a shame that the classic boats and the start boating exhibits were hidden away behind Princess, but they were well worth hunting out. Talking

of exhibits, I made one of myself when I was dragged on stage for one of the ‘Question of Sailing’ panel shows on the main stage. Not only was the scoring highly dubious (our team lost by the way), I had to partake in a physical round, where I was required to dance the Hornpipe with my team mates, including 2000 Olympic sailing silver medallist, Mark Covall. Luckily all the video taken by the MBO team was lost in a suspicious accident, although I have been told it exists somewhere in the darkest recesses of You Tube. If you have given London a miss for a while, I urge you to give it another try next year. It really is a great way to get fired up for the season ahead. On the subject of the season to come, how about joining the MBO team on a cruise in company. Now in its fourth year, these cruises offer a great way to spread your cruising wings. Full details of this year’s event can be found on page 54, it would be great if you could join us.

The Christmas lights at Padstow. See our destination guide on page 56

Visit Cornw

all/JRam

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 3

mailto:advertising%40motorboatowner.co.uk?subject=mailto:subscriptions%40motorboatowner.co.uk?subject=

Racecourse Marina, WindsorT. 01753 851 501

River Thames, Windsor Pyrford Marina

T. 01932 340 739River Wey, Surrey

Walton Marina

T. 01932 226 305Walton on Thames

Upton MarinaT. 01684 594 287Upton upon SevernStourport Marina

T. 01299 827 082Stourport on Severn

OUR MARINAS

Brundall Bay Marina Broadlands MarinaT. 01502 573033

Marina

T.01603 717804

Moorings for a l l types of boats

9 Super ior Marinas

www.t ingdene.netwww.t ingdeneboatsa les .net

TYHA GOLDANCHORAWARDEDMARINAS

River Thames . R iver Severn

Norfolk Broads . R iver Wey

Single page Online Advert 2.pdf 1 21/02/2015 13:59:49

NEW BOAT AGENTS FOR

Thames & Kennet MarinaT. 01189 482 911

River Thames, Caversham

O v e r 1 5 0 N e w & U s e d c r a f t t o v i e w a f l o a t 1 2 m o n t h s a y e a r - O p e n 7 d a y s a w e e k @ 1 0 o f f i c e s

Hartford Marina, 01480 454677

Cambridgeshire

Norfolk Broads

F I N D U S O N

RIVER THAMES

River Severn

River Wey Great River Ouse Boat Sales Only

Portishead Quays T. 01275 397277

& boat sales

http://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/pyrford-marinahttp://34.gs/34nahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/walton-marinahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/racecourse-marina-windsorhttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/upton-marinahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/stourport-marinahttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Tingdene-Marinas-Ltd/428778710550057https://twitter.com/tingdenemarinashttp://34.gs/hn5ohttp://34.gs/xnvqhttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/pyrford-marinahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/racecourse-marina-windsorhttp://34.gs/34nahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/upton-marinahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/stourport-marinahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/walton-marinahttp://34.gs/4cf5http://34.gs/xnvqhttp://34.gs/24lhhttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/hartford-marinahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/broadlands-marinahttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/marinas/brundall-bay-marinahttps://twitter.com/TingdeneMarinashttps://www.facebook.com/tingdene

CONTENTS


FEBRUARY 2017

Racecourse Marina, WindsorT. 01753 851 501

River Thames, Windsor Pyrford Marina

T. 01932 340 739River Wey, Surrey

Walton Marina

T. 01932 226 305Walton on Thames

Upton MarinaT. 01684 594 287Upton upon SevernStourport Marina

T. 01299 827 082Stourport on Severn

OUR MARINAS

Brundall Bay Marina Broadlands MarinaT. 01502 573033

Marina

T.01603 717804

Moorings for a l l types of boats

9 Super ior Marinas

www.t ingdene.netwww.t ingdeneboatsa les .net

TYHA GOLDANCHORAWARDEDMARINAS

River Thames . R iver Severn

Norfolk Broads . R iver Wey

Single page Online Advert 2.pdf 1 21/02/2015 13:59:49

NEW BOAT AGENTS FOR

Thames & Kennet MarinaT. 01189 482 911

River Thames, Caversham

O v e r 1 5 0 N e w & U s e d c r a f t t o v i e w a f l o a t 1 2 m o n t h s a y e a r - O p e n 7 d a y s a w e e k @ 1 0 o f f i c e s

Hartford Marina, 01480 454677

Cambridgeshire

Norfolk Broads

F I N D U S O N

RIVER THAMES

River Severn

River Wey Great River Ouse Boat Sales Only

Portishead Quays T. 01275 397277

London Boat Showpage 16 Newspage 20 New Boatspage 28 Cutting Edge

page 54Cruise in Company 2017

page 68 TestedGarmin Striker 7sv

BOAT TEST

Sargo 31 Explorer

PADSTOW Destination Guide

p70

p68

REGULARSNEWS page 6INBOX page 18Q&A page 38TESTED page 68

p56

CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDECLASSIC CRUISER GUIDECLASSIC CRUISER GUIDECLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE

p42

Sea Ray 240DA

PRACTICAL Used Boat Self Survey Part 2

p16

p32

J.Wa

ttsO

nEditio

n

NEWS

6 February 2017

Launch of new DIY Safe Anti-fouling InitiativeThe three marine industry bodies, British Marine, British Coatings Federation (BCF) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have launched a new DIY Safe Anti-fouling Initiative. The aim of the scheme is to inform and educate boat owners on the hazards associated with antifouling their boats, whilst detailing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to ensure that antifouling paints are being used properly. The initiative follows a year’s research by the BCF Marine Coatings Group, which included survey a into the DIY use of antifouling paints in the UK. Results showed that more than 90% of boat owners were safely antifouling their boats. However, it displayed a number of areas for improvement, such as better guidance on preparing the boat and disposing of waste paint. The three associations have created promotional and advisory tools, such as awareness posters to be displayed across the nation’s network of marinas, chandlers and boatyards and in-depth, step-by-step guidance documents for individual owners. The RYA’s Planning and Environmental Manager, Emma Barton, said “It’s important to know that antifouling paints are being used properly and that boat owners are aware of the potential hazards associated with antifouling their boats. The DIY Safe Antifouling Initiative 2017 will

help to raise awareness of those hazards and to highlight the importance of using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.” For more information visit the website www.safeantifouling.com

Coming to a marina near you. A new scheme to encourage boaters to use antifoul safely and wear the appropriate protective clothing

Click on image, left, to download the BCF Marine Coating’s leaflet ‘Antifouling your boat safely’

http://www.coatings.org.uk/media/download.aspx?MediaId=7757http://www.safeantifouling.com

If you any have news from your region, please email us [email protected]


At the London Boat Show it was announced that Broom Boats and English Harbour Yachts would be going into partnership. The Norfolk-based boat builder, Broom Boats will build the English Harbour range of boats under licence, whilst continuing to build its own range of 37-43ft aft cabin cruisers and also the 30-35ft Coupe. Broom Boats will also act as the UK distributor for English Harbour via a new entity, English Harbour Yacht Sales. Managing Director of English Harbour, Adam Greenwood, said, “We are very pleased to be working in conjunction with a builder of Broom’s reputation and quality. This partnership will now allow English Harbour to satisfy increasing demand as we develop new models whilst also developing our worldwide dealership network”. Matthew Harvey, Managing Director of Broom Boats added, “Our alliance makes perfect sense and we are very excited to be working together. Our two companies share many clear values, producing British-built and designed models with the highest attention to detail. The perfect partnership.” Pictured, Broom Boats Broker, John Long alongside the English Harbour 29 Offshore. Inset, the English Harbour 27 as tested February 15.

English Harbour and Broom Boats form alliance

Visitors to Poole Harbour between 15th-21st May are sure to see it looking at its very best with the launch of Poole Maritime Festival. The festival will celebrate Poole’s maritime history and host two events, European Maritime Day and the Poole Harbour Boat Show. With the theme ‘The Future of our Seas’, European Maritime Day (18th-19th) is a prestigious meeting place and two-day conference for European marine professionals. Here UK businesses will promote their products and services. After this follows the free-entry Poole Harbour Boat Show (19th-21st) with displays of new boats, marine equipment and leisure services.

Countdown starts to Poole Maritime Festival

mailto:[email protected]://englishharbouryachts.com/http://englishharbouryachts.com/http://www.broomboats.com/http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritimeday/en/homehttp://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritimeday/en/home

If you any have news from your region, please email us at

[email protected]

8 February 2017

The Hampshire-based performance motorboat builder, Hunton Powerboats went into liquidation late last year. However, the new company, Hunton Yachts Ltd, has recently secured the assets of Hunton Powerboats and is ‘looking forward to raising this exclusive British icon to new heights’. Fiona Pool, who remains as

Chief Executive, said “This is a very exciting time in Hunton’s history. We have emerged as a leaner, healthier business with a very clear strategy for new product development, dynamic marketing and a global outreach.” The builder plans to launch a new range and has appointed a new dealer in South East Asia.

Hunton resurrected as Hunton Yachts Ltd

The Finnish boat builder, Aquador has introduced an entirely new design to its range, with its new Aquador 35AQ. The new model has been designed by Norwegian designer, Espen Thorup, who is also responsible for several models in the Flipper and Bella ranges. The 4-6 berth 35AQ has two double cabins with modifiable bulkhead. Other features include an electrically operated skylight, large bathing platform, practical offset, trawler-style side deck with a sliding door on the driver’s side and a large anti-fog, double-convex windscreen. The boat made its debut in January at Boot, a boat show that is held in Düsseldorf.

Aquador 35AQ NEW BOAT

mailto:[email protected]://www.hunton.co.ukhttp://www.aquadorboats.fi/index.php?page=home

http://34.gs/tifgmailto:sales%40idealboat.com?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner%20magazine

NEWS

10 February 2017

This year the Thames-based marina and broker, Bushnells is celebrating its 100th year at its base at Wargrave. The company has been passed down through the Bushnells family and was first established at Richmond in 1859, before moving to the Thameside Marina site in January 1917.

The winners of the Yacht Harbour Association (THYA) 2017 Marina of the Year Awards were announced at the London Boat Show in January. Voted for by berthholders and visitors, 160 worldwide Gold Anchor accredited marinas were whittled down into five categories, UK Coastal over 250 berths and under 250 berths, UK Inland, International and Superyacht. The winner of the UK Coastal Marina of the Year 2017 (over 250 berths) catergory was Largs Yacht Haven pictured. The UK Coastal Marina of the Year 2017 (under 250 berths) was given to Poole Quay Boat Haven. UK Inland Marina of the Year was awarded to Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina. The winner of International Marina was Karpaz Gate Marina and Superyacht Marina is IGY Isle de Sol. Carolyn Elder pictured, Marina Manager at Largs Yacht Haven said “What a way to start 2017, we’re absolutely thrilled. I must praise our entire Haven Team for their hard work. We have been overwhelmed by the comments and votes we received.” The runners up were MDL Torquay Marina, Portavadie Marina, MDL Windsor Marina, Royal Cork Yacht Club and Talise Pavilion Marina. Other marinas to be honoured with a new Marina of Distinction award were Mayflower Marina, Southampton Town Quay, Overwater Marina, Marina de Vilamoura and Porto Montenegro. See photos of the winners in the Motorboat Owner gallery here.

Marina of Year 2017 Winners

Bushnells celebrating 100 years at Wargrave

http://www.bushnells.co.uk/index.php/en/http://www.yachthavens.com/largs/http://www.poolequayboathaven.co.uk/http://www.poolequayboathaven.co.uk/http://www.aqueductmarina.co.uk/http://www.aqueductmarina.co.uk/http://www.karpazbay.com/#marinahttp://www.igy-isledesol.com/http://motorboatowner.co.uk/galleries.php#prettyPhoto[48]/0/



New Bembridge approach videoThis season, visitors to Bembridge Harbour have a new navigational aid for visiting the tidal port in the Solent. An approach video has been added to the harbour’s navigation page on the website, which shows each stage and buoy as you enter the harbour. The video footage, shot in summer 2016, begins at the channel entrance and takes you through the buoyed channel to the Duver Pontoon. In addition, aerial footage shows the pontoons, boatyard and general layout of the harbour. Bembridge Harbour are keen to advise that ‘this video is for guidance only. See Notices to Mariners for updates to navigational aids.’

£1m Refurbishment Complete at Racecourse MarinaA £1m investment in new pontoons and shoreside facilities at Racecourse Marina on the River Thames is now complete. The marina at Windsor is operated by Tingdene Marinas Ltd and Operations Director, Steve Arber, explained that “the project has upgraded the facilities and increased our capacity by 50 per cent to 262 berths. It’s gone exactly as planned and we experienced excellent service from our contractors on this project, Walcon Marine, Land & Water, Rolec and Riverworks. Racecourse is completely geared as a one-stop shop for our berth-holders, who can start to relax as soon as they arrive on our newly resurfaced entrance road. Most importantly, the customer feedback has been excellent.” One berthholder said “The changes are fantastic. The new pontoons are so much better, as is the dedicated new berth-holders car park.” Steve Arber went on to praise Racecourse marina manager, Neill Walker, and his team, and added “This latest phase of investment has enhanced the appeal of already popular facilities, such as GOGOS waterfront restaurant and cocktail bar, and our boat sales and boatyard facilities. We’re now looking forward to a great 2017 with our growing number of berthholders here at Racecourse Marina.”

mailto:[email protected]://www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk/http://www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk/the-harbour/navigation/channel-navigation-videohttp://www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk/the-harbour/berthing/port-safety-and-local-noticeshttp://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/http://www.tingdene-marinas.co.uk/http://www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk/the-harbour/navigation/channel-navigation-video

If you any have news from your region, please email us at

[email protected]

12 February 2017

The Norfolk Broads charter company, Barnes Brinkcraft announced in January that it had bought its neighbouring boatyard, Royalls and its nine hire boats, after the retirement of Nigel and Sara Royall at the end of last season. With its new fleet additions, Barnes Brinkcraft will operate a fleet of 86 boats from its base at Wroxham. There are also plans for an additional five new fleet boats and three new three-bedroomed holiday homes overlooking the private marina. Pictured

left to right, Jill, Matthew and Daniel Thwaites. Barnes Brinkcraft Director, Daniel Thwaites, said “buying Royalls means that we will have more room to increase our fleet and servicing facilities, and with the trend towards more UK tourists opting to holiday in this country and overseas tourists being lured by the favourable exchange rates, this is the right time for us to expand.”

Barnes Brinkcraft buy Royalls boatyard

The Falmouth-based boat builder, Cockwells, currently has a new motorboat in build, the Duchy 35. At 38ft overall, it is the new mid-range model of the 21-65ft range, and was designed by Andrew Wolstenholme. The ‘fully customisable’ 35 offers 4-6

berths with two layouts with one or two cabins. Features includes hardwood joinery, a driver-side opening door and walk-through transom. Extras are to include a Seakeeper Gyro Stabiliser

and a full width electric sunroof. The price is £325k plus VAT for a standard, twin

Nanni T4.270 boat and Cockwells can also offer a single engine standard model for £300k

plus VAT.

Duchy 35 NEW BOAT

Demo Sargo 31 available for immeDiate Delivery from finlanDcall for DetailS

mailto:[email protected]://www.barnesbrinkcraft.co.uk/http://cockwells.co.uk/

Sargo behaves in waves like a refined sports car.Splendidly. And still making a lot of sense.

Sarins Båtar Oy Ab, 67900 Kokkola, Finland, [email protected], www.sargoboats.fi

Sargo is precisely that kind of sport utility vessel, boasting exhilarating handling and ride characteristics even in rough seas. Some Sargo skippers talk about its smooth ride and good responsiveness even at higher speeds. We simply call it tough sportiness. All Sargo models between 25-36 ft. live up to this while still making a lot of sense. Sargo is a true multi-purpose vessel

suited to many kinds of uses. The interior is both stylish and practical, following the great Scandinavian design tradition.Sargo is a premium boat built in Finland, a new brand based on a great tradition since 1967.Rain or shine, you’ll be fine. With a big smile on your face.

© C

ream

edia

/Sm

art

Co

mm

unic

atio

n

Demo Sargo 31 available for immeDiate Delivery from finlanDcall for DetailS

Sargo behaves in waves like a refined sports car.Splendidly. And still making a lot of sense.


Sargo is precisely that kind of sport utility vessel, boasting exhilarating handling and ride characteristics even in rough seas. Some Sargo skippers talk about its smooth ride and good responsiveness even at higher speeds. We simply call it tough sportiness. All Sargo models between 25-36 ft. live up to this while still making a lot of sense. Sargo is a true multi-purpose vessel

suited to many kinds of uses. The interior is both stylish and practical, following the great Scandinavian design tradition.Sargo is a premium boat built in Finland, a new brand based on a great tradition since 1967.Rain or shine, you’ll be fine. With a big smile on your face.

© C

ream

edia

/Sm

art

Co

mm

unic

atio

n

Whichever your choice of the Sargo models between 25-36 ft. may be, you can be 100 percent certain of one thing: you will always be leaving the harbor on board an exceptionally safe boat. Sargo is precisely the kind of sport utility vessel with no compromises made as to how solidly built and well-equipped even the standard boat is. The idea of rigorous quality is one of the core values of our brand. In addition, we deliver a generous list of features and equipment.Every Sargo is standard-equipped with a multitude of safety

features: a complete set of the latest navigation instruments, a bow thruster (28’-36’), an automatic power trim (PTA) and marine window defrosters. All of our models have a certified installation of trusty Volvo Penta diesel engines.Sargo is a premium boat built in Finland, a new brand based on a great tradition since 1967.Rain of shine, you’ll be fine. Even in rough seas you and your dearest feel safe on board a Sargo.

Your family’s safety at sea can never be taken for granted. That’s why we designed Sargo, a very safe sport utility boat.

© C

ream

edia

/Sm

art

Co

mm

unic

atio

n


SARGO BOATS UKSARGOBOATS.CO.UK [email protected] +44 (0)2380 453245

SEE THE SARGO RANGE AT SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW, BERTH M219 ONWARDS

http://9nl.me/qtgfmailto:info%40sargoboats.fi?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner%20magazinehttp://www.sargoboats.fihttp://9nl.me/qtgfmailto:info%40sargoboats.co.uk?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner%20magazine

NEWS

14 February 2017

The French boat builder, Jeanneau has introduced another new entry-level sterndrive sportscruiser to its range. The new 4-berth Leader 33 has an adaptive layout, with an opening cabin bulkhead with a double berth and dinette area forward (as seen on sister model the Leader 36) and a twin mid cabin. It will be available as an Open or Sport Top, as pictured. Prices are expected to start at

€218,400 fitted with twin 250hp MerCruiser 4.5L MPI petrols. A twin 220hp Volvo Penta D3 option is also available, with or without a joystick. The Leader 33 was launched at the Paris Boat Show in December last year and is expected to be at the Southampton Boat Show in September, alongside the Leader 30 which will also be making its UK debut.

Jeanneau Leader 33 NEW BOAT

Venezia Certosa MarinaThe new 300-berth Venezia Certosa Marina in Venice received its UK launch at the London Boat Show in January, and with low cost flights available to Venice Marco Polo airport, the marina’s owners are looking to attract UK berthholders and liveaboards. The recently regenerated 24-hectare site on Certosa Island is situated 10 minutes from St Mark’s Square and 15 minutes by public transport from the city and lagoon. The Adriatic ports of Trieste or Rovigno are 50 nautical miles away and the marina 200 nautical miles from Split, Croatia. The marina is approximately a mile from the open sea, and is sheltered by surrounding islands and a 4m wide breakwater. On shore there is a boatyard with dry storage and maintanance services, a hotel, restaurant and bar, chandlery and laundry facilities. Short and long term moorings are available and berths have access to fresh water, shorepower and WiFi. An annual berth for 2017 is €4545 for a 12m motorboat.

http://www.jeanneau.com/en/http://marina.ventodivenezia.it/



0800 310 2100

[email protected]

Marine Electronics in stock for immediate dispatch.

Chargers - Inverters - Galvanic Isolators - FusesFuse holders - Crossover switches - Cable Sets - Batteries

DIARY DATESPremier Marinas Swanwick

Motorboat & RIB Show25th-26th March

Thames Used Boat Show14th-23rd April 2017Beaulieu Boat Jumble

23rd April 2017Barclays Jersey Boat Show

29th April-1st MaySouthsea Marina Fishing Show

6th MayWindermere Boat Show

12th-14th MayPoole Harbour Boat Show

19th-21st May

Click any of the above for more info

New figures released by British Marine, depict a growth in the UK marine industry for a fifth consecutive year and a ‘bounce back’ after the Brexit referendum. A survey found that 2015/16 revenues grew by 1.6%, to £3.01bn and the industry contributes over £1.11bn to the UK economy. Marine employment is up by 4.6% and there was growth in industry sectors, Engines and Equipment Manufacturing, Boat Building and Hire/Charter.

UK Marine Industry Growth

New Western Boat ShowThe organisers of the Northern Boat Show in Liverpool have launched a Western Boat Show to coincide with Bristol Harbour Festival from 21-23 July. The 3-day boat show will display motorboats, marine products, systems and services. The free-entry Bristol Harbour Festival celebrates the city’s harbour-side maritime history and will see two miles of vessels, food markets, circus acts, live music and performers. Over 250,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival which will be held alongside on Bristol’s newly developed Hannover Quay. Now in its third year, The Northern Boat Show has new dates to coincide with the International Mersey River Festival on 23-25 June.

mailto:[email protected]://9nl.cc/tknhmailto:sales%40mdsbattery.co.uk?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Ownerhttps://www.premiermarinas.com/Marina-News-Events/Marina-Events/2017/March/Swanwick-Motorboat-and-RIB-Showhttps://www.premiermarinas.com/Marina-News-Events/Marina-Events/2017/March/Swanwick-Motorboat-and-RIB-Showhttp://www.tingdeneboatsales.net/thames-used-boat-show-2017https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/http://www.jerseyboatshow.com/https://www.premiermarinas.com/Marina-News-Events/Marina-Events/2017/May/Southsea-Marina-Fishing-Showhttps://windermereboatshow.com/http://www.pooleharbourboatshow.co.uk/http://www.westernboatshow.co.uk/http://www.westernboatshow.co.uk/http://bristolharbourfestival.co.uk/http://bristolharbourfestival.co.uk/http://www.northernboatshow.co.uk/http://www.northernboatshow.co.uk/

NEWS

16 February 2017

With the slogan ‘The Season Starts Here’, the London Boat Show kick-started the year, opening on the 6th of January in London’s Docklands. Now in its 14th year at ExCel London, the 10-day show saw Absolutely Fabulous actress, Joanna Lumley, opening the Sunseeker stand in front of hoards of cameras on Press/Preview Day, and the day continued with

champagne corks popping at several new boat and equipment launches. These included the new Sunseeker 68 Sport Yacht, Princess S60 and Prestige 630. Celebrating its 50th year, Fairline Yachts announced that the company will be building a new Targa 43 model to be launched in Spring 2017. Two pools had been erected at the west end of the ExCel’s south hall. Here at the new Dream Lodge Marina and Boating Lake, there was a schedule of events which included a time-trial aboard a Sunsport tender which tested the boat handling skills of youngsters. In the neighbouring Watersports Pool, visitors trialled the latest craze of stand-up paddleboarding. The Bumper Boats were also generating plenty MBO Editor on stage for a ‘Question of Sailing’

London Boat Show 2017 REVIEW

Photo

s OnEd

ition &

CFre

w



of giggles for youngsters. At the other end of the hall the show stage played host to a dazzling fashion and dance show, a highlight being a model break-dancing in Helly Hansen foulweather gear. During the week the show welcomed some important VIP visitors, including the Princess Royal and several MP’s from trade, sport and business sectors. The show also saw an important Anglo-French agreement signed. In a bid to boost tourism amid the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, British Marine South West, representing 200 marine members, and the Association des Ports de Plaisance de Bretagne, representing 70 marinas and ports in Northern France, agreed to promote and ‘encourage boat owners to

travel between the UK’s south west and French coasts, and the Channel Islands.’ Disruption across the travel networks, coupled with snow, effected six out of the first eight days of the show and had an effect on visitor numbers. Show organisers, British Marine, report that attendance was 5% down.

French builder, Prestige Yacht’s new 630

See new boat and equipment review on page 20London Boat Show 2018, 5-14 January

mailto:[email protected]

@INBOXemail: [email protected]

18 February 2017

BACKTIMEIN

Selling the dream. A Corvette Classique 32 joins an elegant cocktail party in this early 1990’s ‘Riverscape’ brochure cover.

I noticed your product review on the Meaco DD8L Zambezi and it prompted me to go to the boat and remove the timer as I was unaware of the problem they could cause. Alas too late, my old EcoAir had died, so your review was even more timely as I’ve just ordered the Zambezi to replace it. I would like to thank you and the team for a well put together publication which I enjoy reading each month, my favourite being the destination guides. Chris ArnoldEditor replies: Sorry my advice came too late to save your old dehumidifier, but I think you’ll be pleased with the Zambezi. I understand that dehumidifiers that have become faulty due to use with a time switch can be repaired for a fixed cost by the supplier. It’s not cheap, especially with postage added, but may be worth considering if the unit is fairly new.

Dehumidifier dead

mailto:[email protected]

http://9nl.me/t80qmailto:nick%40seabridge-marine.com?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner

NEW

20 February 2017

BOATS

Fibrafort F215 Cabin Following on from the launch of the very affordable little F160 sportsboat at Southampton, Bushnells Marine used London to unveil the F215 Cabin. Like the F160, the F215 is a cost effective package, offering a two-berth cuddy with toilet, a well laid out cockpit with some basic galley facilities and engine options that start at 60hp. The teenager inside of me still enjoys the fact that these

boats are called Focker in their native Brazil, but with my mature head on, you can’t argue with the great value for money that they offer. With a 150hp on the back, this boat could be yours for just under £38k, and that is one fast and affordable Focker. LOA: 6.55m Beam: 2.45m Displacement: 850kg (ex engine) www.bushnells.co.uk

The London Boat Show saw a number of interesting new boat launches.We paced the hall to bring you the best of the new models for 2017

£29,995 PriCeFrom with 60hp

Grandezza 25SFinn-Marin Ltd is the parent company of both Finnmaster and Grandezza boats. It is no surprise then that when Grandezza wanted to add a 25ft Day Cruiser to its lineup, it started with the Finnmaster T7. The 25S is basically a T7 with an inboard engine and, as such, it offers the same offset double in the cabin, the same in-cabin toilet arrangement and the

same stylish and practical cockpit with galley. The main differences can be found under the cockpit, where the 25S doesn’t appear to offer the second small berth, and aft, where the lack of an outboard means that the 25S can make better use of the transom with a full width bathing platform and rear facing seat/sun lounger. LOA: 7.56m Beam: 2.59m Displacement: 2200kgwww.gibbsboatsales.co.uk

£78,407PriCeFrom

http://www.bushnells.co.ukhttp://www.gibbsboatsales.co.uk

LONDON BOAT SHOW SPECIAL


Jeanneau mF795 marlinIt wouldn’t be a boat show without at least one new Merry Fisher. The 795 Marlin is the fishing orientated version of the 795 that was launched at the 2015 Southampton Boat Show. The Marin version provides a smaller wheelhouse with an upright windscreen, a side door next to the helm for easy access to the full, deep, walk around decks, an optional side door on the port side, and a rear door for access to the large cockpit with good lockable storage, plenty of rod holders,

a live bait well and a cutting board over the engine. Comfort wise you get a small double berth in the bow, and an option for a separate toilet compartment with either a chemical or sea toilet. Engine options are single outboard of between 150hp and 200hp.LOA: 7.17m Beam: 2.8m Displacement: 1750kg (ex engine) www.cambrianboats.com

Greenline 36The gap in the Greenline range between the 33 and the 40 has been well and truly plugged. The new 36 offers the same low drag displacement hull design of the 33, less the small stabiliser wings, but the extra length means that you get two cabins and a much improved wheelhouse, which feels more akin to the 40. The family friendly layout provides two singles in the mid cabin, which can be converted to a double, and a double in the bow, that can be converted to singles thanks to a scissor berth configuration. There is only a single toilet compartment, but it is very spacious and has a separate shower cubicle. Being a Greenline, the engine options are single diesel of either 220 or 370hp with, of course, an electric hybrid option. Maximum speed on diesel is said to be 25 knots with the larger engine, while the electric motor, which is only available with the 220hp engine, will propel you silently at up to 6.5knots. LOA: 11.99m Beam: 3.75m Displacement: 7000kg www.greenlinehybrid.co.uk

£50,694PriCeFrom

£281,113PriCeFrom

http://www.cambrianboats.comhttp://www.greenlinehybrid.co.uk

NEW

22 February 2017

BOATS

excel Virago riBsIf you are looking for a small affordable RIB package then Excel Boats new Virago range might be the answer. The range consists of four boats, all with aluminium hulls and all available with tubes made from either Hytex PVC or Hypalon. The entry level Virago is the HSR310, which would also be suitable as a tender. Other models are the HSR350, HSR390 and the flagship HSR420. Engine options range from 20hp up to 40hp with tiller or console steering versions. Prices, excluding engine, start at £1,899 for the 310 in PVC up to £4,199 for the 420 in Hypalon.310 LOA: 3.1m Beam: 1.57m Displacement: 49kg (ex engine) 350 LOA: 3.5m Beam: 1.80m Displacement: 55kg (ex engine) 390 LOA: 3.9m Beam: 1.80m Displacement: 66kg (ex engine) 420 LOA: 4.2m Beam: 2.20m Displacement: 96kg (ex engine) www.excel-boats.co.uk

Finnmaster Husky r7The Husky brand has finally started to get a foothold on the UK market, and about time too. I have driven a couple of these boats and they are exceptionally good. The R7 has an aluminium hull and GRP superstructure to combine a robust, workboat look with stylish curvy leisure lines. In Finland these boats are used as we would use our car and, as such, offer minimalist and practical features. The bow is available either completely uncluttered, or you can opt for lockers and seats on either side for a more

conventional bowrider layout. A deep cockpit and tall raked screen should offer excellent protection from the elements. The aluminium is protected against corrosion and, should it be damaged, is easy to repair. Power comes from a single outboard up to 200hp. LOA: 6.45m Beam: 2.33mDisplacement: 1055kg (ex engine) www.idealboat.com

£43,695PriCeFrom

£1,899PriCeSFrom

http://www.excel-boats.co.ukhttp://www.idealboat.com



Quicksilver Activ 755 CruiserDespite all the expensive bling on display, the Quicksilver Activ 755 Cruiser was one of the highlights for me. The newest model to join the Quicksilver range brings with it a new style, an attention to detail and a use of quality materials that should make choosing a seven metre day cruiser just that little bit easier. The 755 has all the features you would expect to find on a boat of this style, including an offset

double in the bow, a cockpit galley that includes hob, sink and fridge and a great cockpit layout that should work well both underway and when stationary. It also has a few that you wouldn’t, such as a compact, but separate, toilet compartment, concealed canopy and hardware and illuminated cup holders and 755 badges.LOA: 6.99m Beam: 2.55m Displacement: 1440kg (ex engine) www.barrus.co.uk

Cormate Utility 23Supermarine Cormate boats combine a touch of elegance with some serious sporting credentials, and the new Utility 23 Supermarine is no exception. Available with either outboard or sterndrive power from 115hp upwards, the

U23 can reach speeds of up to 50 knots in standard form, or 80 knots with the Race Edition. At the helm you get race boat style throttles, but elsewhere you also find some rather practical features such as a small cabin, a sociable seating arrangement in the aft cockpit and good side deck access to the bow. At just 750kg ex engine, the U23 is an exceptionally light boat, which means that even with the entry-level 115hp outboard you still get 40 knot performance.LOA: 7.15m Beam: 2.35m Displacement: 750kg (ex engine) www.finedesign-marine.co.uk

£48,998PriCeFrom

£61,704PriCeFrom

http://www.barrus.co.ukhttp://www.finedesign-marine.co.uk

NEW

24 February 2017

BOATSrodman Spirit 31outboard open/HTRodman’s Spirit 31 has received a substantial makeover, and the result is the new Spirit 31 Outboard. As the name suggests, the inboard

engine/s have been replaced with single or twin outboards up to a total of 400hp. This change has allowed Rodman to create a proper second cabin with a double berth, rather than the single pilot berth of the inboard version.LOA: 9.48m Beam: 3.36m Displacement: 6000kgwww.rbsmarine.com

Chaparral Surf 244Ideal Boat were displaying the first of the new ‘Surf ’ range from Chaparral. The range consists of five boats, the 227, 244, 246, 257 and 264, that have been given the ‘Surf ’ treatment. This means that they have a different hull, optimized for a combination of wakeboarding and cruising, and also come packed with wakeboarding features such as a tower, board racks, surf gates, ballast tanks and a touch-screen unit at the helm that not only provides engine and navigational information, it allows the skipper to control the surf gates and ballast tanks. All models come with a bow ladder for ease of picking crew up from the beach,

and all but the smallest model have an onboard toilet. All ‘Surf ’ models come fitted with Volvo’s Forward Drive, for added safety and improved wake functions, and the model on display is available with either a 300 or 350hp Volvo petrol engine. The ‘Surf ’ range starts at £93,995.LOA: 7.42m Beam: 2.59m Displacement: 1996kgwww.idealboat.com

£121,200PriCeFrom

£125,000PriCeFrom

http://www.rbsmarine.comhttp://www.idealboat.comhttp://clktr4ck.com/voy7


Bayliner element e7 & CC7Bayliner’s Element range continues to expand, with two new models making their London debut. The CC7 and E7 have taken the same theme found on the 5 and 6 metre versions but in a 6.8 metre hull. You still get the Element M shaped hull for great stability, but with more room onboard that allows additional seating and socializing. There are also a couple of other upgrades on the E7, such as individual engine instruments on the dash, to replace the usual single large ‘Mini’ style instrument, and stainless steel grab handles and cup holders, all eleven of them! With each Element seemingly getting better with size, we have great expectations from these two new models. Both

new models are available with a single outboard of between 115 and 150hp.

LOA 6.81m Beam: 2.36m Displacement: 1300kg (ex eng)

www.bayliner.com

for ENGINESt: 023 8045 4507e: [email protected]

W W W.V E T U S . C O M

ENGINES | STERN GEAR | FUEL | INSTRUMENTS | FRESH WATER | WASTE WATER | MANOEUVRING | ELECTRICAL | STEERING | HATCHES | VENTILATION

• Quality engineering

• Innovative design

• Competitive pricing

• Guaranteed compatibility

• Unrivalled warranty

SYSTEMS SOLUTIONThe

ENGINESe: [email protected]

SYSTEMS SOLUTIONSYSTEMS SOLUTION

£23,822 PriCeFrom

£25,656 PriCeFrom

Bayliner CC7

Bayliner E7

Bayliner CC7Bayliner E7

http://www.bayliner.comhttp://clktr4ck.com/voy7mailto:sales%40vetus.co.uk?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner

NEW

26 February 2017

BOATSWaterspoor 777 Aviator The latest Dutch Sloop style boat to reach our shores is the Waterspoor 777 Aviator. This 25 footer may look like it was designed for crawling around the

canals of Amsterdam at walking pace, but don’t be deceived. While it would be perfect for a sedate life on the river, with a capacity of up to 12 people, the 777 can also be fitted with an engine of up to 270hp that will give it a top speed of around 25 knots and watersports capabilities. The small toilet compartment in the bow is also a nice feature to extend your time on the water.LOA: 7.77m Beam: 3.02m Displacement: 2450kg www.tbsboats.com

rand PicnicThe Danish built Rand Picnic offers boating in its simplest form. The 16 footer can carry 10 people in a very sociable layout. Designed primarily for use with an electric outboard, the

Picnic will cruise for around 8 hours at river speeds with a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0, and up to 13 knots for one hour with a Cruise 10.0. The engine size and battery capacity can be adjusted for almost any combination of speed and endurance in between. The boat can also be ordered with a petrol outboard of up to 40hp for speeds of around 24 knots. Look out for a full test soon.LOA: 5.35m Beam: 2.1m Displacement: 390kg (ex engine)www.randboats.com

£42,320PriCeFrom

£19,400PriCeFrom circa

http://www.tbsboats.comhttp://www.randboats.com

Greenline 36 HybridThe future is coming.

INSPIRATIONMARINE GROUP

Inspiration Marine Group Ltd Hamble Point Marina

SO31 4NBTel: 02380 457 008

[email protected]

UK dealer

www.inspirationmarine.co.uk

The new Greenline 36 has massive batteries, powerful inverter, 220 volt cooking and solar panels as standard - whether in Diesel only or Diesel/Electric Hybrid version.

Call us fordetails of regional shows near you

GDA-545_GL36_MotorboatOwner-Feb2017.indd 1 23/01/2017 12:29

http://clktr4ck.com/r0ilmailto:south%40inspirationmarine.co.uk?subject=Greenline%2036%20-%20Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner

CUTTING

28 February 2017

EDGEMacGlideIt had to happen eventually. MacGlide is a new stick-on antifouling. Yes, you read that right. MacGlide comes in self-adhesive sheets and is simply stuck on to a prepared hull. It is not an antifoul in the traditional sense, as what it offers is a low adhesion silicone surface that is said to be self-cleaning at speeds above 7 knots, but it offers an alternative to silicone based paints that work the same way. All old antifoul will need to be removed before professional application, but once applied it is said to have a five year lifespan with nothing to do other than an optional annual lift and wash. MacGlide will be available in red, black and blue.Price circa £115m2 applied www.grapefruitgraphics.co.uk

Dometic CF26The CF26 from Dometic looks like a useful bit of kit. The portable 21 litre fridge freezer can maintain temperatures down to -18°C while drawing just 2.9A. It operates on 12 or 24 Volts DC, and can also be plugged into mains power when it is available. There is also an option to run it from solar panels if you really need

to conserve battery power. The CF26 sits in the middle of the five model CF range, weighs just 12 kg and even has an interior light. If you need additional fridge space, or would like to add a freezer on board for longer cruises, the CF26 appears to be the perfect answer.Price £499www.dometic.com

http://www.grapefruitgraphics.co.ukhttp://www.dometic.com



TorqeedoTorqeedo has partnered with BMW to provide new battery power for its Deep Blue 40 and 80hp electric propulsion system. Technical information on the battery is hard to come by, but it appears to be a 33kWh lithium ion unit, producing 345Volts. The result, according to the brochure, is a run time of up to 19 hours at 4 knots with a Deep Blue 80, although if you want to achieve the top speed of approaching 30 knots, don’t go far from a charging point. You will get in the region of just 35 minutes at these speeds between charges. Price TBA www.torqeedo.com

GarminGarmin launched a new range of multi-function displays at London. The “22” range consists of eight models ranging from the 7 to 12 inch and numbered 722, 822, 1022 and 1222. The 722 and 922 are touch screen only models, while the 1022 and 1222 are purely button control models. Each of the four models is available in sonar or non-sonar versions. Features include Auto Guidance, WiFi tether to iPad for weather and sea conditions overlay capability and support for FLIR thermal camera and IP, VIRB camera and Fusion-Link integration.Price from £999.99 www.garmin.com/en-gb

SuzukiSuzuki outboards have a new mechanical binnacle mount remote control box. Produced after feedback from boat builders and end user, the new control is designed to be more ergonomic, easier to fit and easier and more comfortable to use. Price Included as an option with suitable remote rigged outboardswww.suzuki-marine.co.uk

http://www.torqeedo.comhttp://www.garmin.com/en-gbhttp://www.suzuki-marine.co.uk

CUTTING

30 February 2017

EDGE

SelvaI always enjoy a visit to the Selva stand, as they usually have something just a little different on offer. At this show I discovered their range of portable four stroke outboards with integrated battery and electric start. Available in 6, 8 and 9.9hp versions, these motors conceal a small 12V 14Ah Lithium-Ion battery, that weighs just 0.7kg, under the cowling. This is charged by a 70W alternator that comes as standard on all electric start versions and a push button start on the side of the engine, together with tiller steering, keeps the motor just as portable as a pull start version. Price from £1,699 www.selvamarine.co.uk

FAB DockAre you fed up with antifouling, and want to reduce maintenance on your sterngear? If so, FAB Dock will be of interest. FAB Dock is a way of dry berthing your boat while staying in the water, and consists of an inflatable ring that forms a contained pool. The rear section of the ring deflates and drops into the water, allowing you to drive your boat into it. Once the rear section inflates, it then pumps all of the water out of the pool leaving your hull dry. FAB Dock doesn’t take up much more room than your boat, so shouldn’t incur additional mooring fees, and can be deflated and easily moved from berth to berth. FAB Dock can be custom built for boats from 15ft to 100ft or there are three universal sizes to cover most boats up to 30ft.Price from £5,495 www.finedesign-marine.co.uk

International ToplacInternational has announced the addition of two new colours to its Toplac range of high gloss enamel topcoat paints. Woodward Green 139 and Platinum 151 will join the existing 21 shades and will be

available in 750ml and 2.5 litre packs. Price from £26.50 yachtpaint.com

http://www.selvamarine.co.ukhttp://www.finedesign-marine.co.ukhttp://www.yachtpaint.comhttp://www.yachtpaint.com



Yamaha F100FYamaha’s new 100hp outboard is lighter, more compact, smoother and quieter than the previous model. The F100F is a four cylinder, 1.8 litre, single overhead cam engine with four valves per cylinder. It comes with a 35A alternator, power trim and tilt, shallow water drive and is available in long and extra long shaft lengths. The 162kg engine is fully compatible with Yamaha’s Digital Network System, meaning it can take advantage of the full array of Yamaha’s sophisticated control functions such as VTS (Variable Speed Trolling) and the Y-COP immobilizer security system. Price from £10,099 www.yamaha-motor.eu

http://www.yamaha-motor.euhttp://clktr4ck.com/lup5

PR

AC

TIC

AL

32 February 2017

PRE-SURVEY GUIDE

Used Boat Self-Survey

W

PART 2

elcome to part two of our guide to buying a used boat, and what to look for before committing to an offer and a professional survey. Last month we talked about what a buyer should be looking at on the exterior of a potential purchase. In this issue we move inside the boat and examine the possible pitfalls that may lurk on some used vessels.

FOUR-PART SERIES• Part 1 Hull and exterior• Part 2 Interior and electrics• Part 3 Machinery• Part 4 Sea trial

Last month in Part 1 we looked at the hull and below the waterline


Used Boat Self-Survey

A boat’s interior can be its best selling point, or its Achilles heel. It is easy to look at a bit of damaged gelcoat and imagine it fixed, or a broken propeller and take into account the cost of replacement, but if you step onboard a boat and the interior is damp, dark, messy and smelly the viewing will often go no further. Sometimes though, you have to look through this, as many a gem has been hiding behind an uncared for interior. Equally, it pays to look closely, as replacing interiors that are damaged, beyond a simple clean, can get very expensive. A good place to start is at the bottom. Finding a serious problem lurking in the bilge may allow you to quickly move on to your next potential purchase. Start by lifting up all available floor panels, excluding the engine room, as we will cover that next month. Stick your head down and have a good sniff. How does it smell? If you get a strong smell of diesel, petrol or effluent, the chances are there is a leak in one of

Interiorsthese systems. It could be as simple as a loose hose, but try and track down the source as on older boats it is common to find fuel and water tanks that are corroded and need replacement. This can prove to be a significant job that may entail removal of the engines or

You should lift up every access panel that you can to allow a full inspection of the bilge area

PR

AC

TIC

AL

34 February 2017

parts of the boats structure. If the smell is of petrol, or gas, you may want to consider abandoning the viewing and report your findings to the boatyard and/or broker. Any boat with petrol or gas vapour in the bilge is not one that you want to be hanging around on for too long. A slight damp smell in the bilge is not uncommon, and is not really something to worry about. It is fairly common for boats, even new ones, to have a bit of water in the bilge and, if this has been left standing for any length of time, it may start to stagnate. If there is a significant amount of water in the bilge, this is again something that needs investigating. Determining if it is salt or fresh water may give a clue as to its origin, but I’ll leave it up to you as to how you find this out. While you are looking in the bilges, use a torch to examine all the inside of the hull that you can access, as well as all of the stringers, bearers and bulkheads. What you are looking for is evidence of damage, or poor repairs, to

the hull and cracks where the hull meets any stringers, bearers or bulkheads. It is not uncommon to find the odd bit of fibreglass tabbing showing signs of cracks or delamination, so make a note of any you see and, if you proceed to a full survey, ask the surveyor to give these areas very close scrutiny. Any large cracks, or lots of small ones, together with evidence of any shifting, probably means the boat has had a hard life and may require extensive repair work or strengthening. The last check to make while down in the bilges are any seacocks. You should be able to work out how many there are, and where they are, from the outside of the boat. Check the condition of them in terms of corrosion, check the hull around the seacock for evidence of leaks and gently try and open and close each one, always leaving them in the position you found them. They

Diesel in the bilge could indicate a big and expensive problem, so check carefully

Check the operation of seacocks and inspect for corrosion or evidence of leaks


to make an offer. Maybe consider getting a quote from a local firm before the offer stage. The next step is to look beneath the soft furnishing and inside any cupboards and lockers. Again you are looking for any movement or cracks. The same applies to interior mouldings

should operate freely. If one feels stuck don’t force it. Remember it’s someone else’s boat and you don’t want to break anything. Just log it as a potential issue that needs sorting if you take the purchase further. Working your way up, the next step is to look at the carpets and flooring in every cabin. Leaks often seem to accumulate in a corner somewhere so look for any sodden areas of carpet, or any stains that might indicate they were wet at some point. Tracing interior leaks is not easy, but knowing there is one somewhere will at least forewarn you. If the carpets are just generally grubby, they will almost certainly clean up with a proper carpet washing machine, and this will be easier and cheaper than replacing them. The same applies to other soft furnishings. Seat cushions and mattresses that are not damaged can be relatively easy to clean. If, however, there is damage to the material, you need to take into account the cost of a re-upholster if you decide

Like carpets, dirty upholstery can be made to look like new again, but damaged cushions will need re-covering

Wet carpets indicate a leak, but can be dried and cleaned. Stained carpets may need replacing, which can be a tricky job

PR

AC

TIC

AL

36 February 2017

Woodwork damaged by water may just need a rub down and some new varnish, but rotten wood will need removing and replacing

Damaged cabin headlining makes a boat look very tatty, but can be replaced at a cost

such as a galley unit, seating modules or heads compartments. These are often fixed in and made waterproof with sealant. If the sealant has separated, it could be just that the sealant is old and has dried out, or it could be because the moulding has moved. If you suspect movement, try to grab hold of the moulding and gently wiggle it. It should be solid, so if there is movement this may be another area to point out to your surveyor, if it reaches that stage. You should also look upwards at any headlinings or overhead panels and make sure that the material is still nicely fixed in place and that damage is minimal, or at least concurs with the age and usage of the boat. This last point is important to remember. At all stages of inspection, you have to take into account that you are looking at a used boat. You cannot expect it to be as immaculate as the day it left the factory, when you are paying a fraction of the price when new. Loose headlining may indicate damp but it can also just be a sign of age where the foam backing has started to deteriorate. In these cases you are unlikely to be able to stick them

back in place, as the backing foam turns to dust, so you either have to choose to live with it, or take into account the cost of replacement. Poor condition interiors are often caused by leaks, so it is important to carefully check around all of the windows, ports and hatches for signs of water ingress. The headlining or cabin lining may be stained, the carpet, furnishings or mattresses beneath a hatch may be stained or wet, and woodwork below windows can be damp, rotten, or have varnish peeling due to water ingress. Leaking windows and hatches can sometimes be very simple to repair, maybe requiring adjustment or a replacement seal, but may also require complete removal and refitting with new sealant. If you find white powder residue around any stainless steel window frames, it is likely that there is an element of aluminium in the construction of the frame, which is corroding. In the long term, these may need replacing and that will prove to be a very expensive job, possibly requiring custom made hardware.


Messy wiring should ring alarm bells. If this is visible, what is it like behind the scenes?

Check every circuit is operational if you can

Electrical systemsMoving onto the boats electrical circuits, first impressions go a long way. If the cables that you have seen while looking around the boat are all neat and tidy, there is a good chance that the electrics have been well cared for and faults should be few and minor. If, however, you find a veritable birds nest of messy cables, possibly joined with chocolate block, or snap lock connectors, you can guarantee that the boat will be hiding some serious electrical gremlins. Depending upon whether the boat is on or out of the water and whether it has power connected, you should at least be able to test some of the boats 12 or 24V DC electrics. The only exception be a boat that has had the batteries removed. If you are a serious buyer, I don’t think it unreasonable for the owner, or broker, to ensure the boat is powered up for your viewing, as long as you request the fact in advance and with enough notice. Test every circuit, every light and every 12/24V appliance that it is feasibly possible to. Don’t forget the hidden stuff such as trim tabs, power trim if the boat has an outboard or outdrives, and the anchor winch. You should also find the float switches for any automatic bilge pumps and ensure that they are operating correctly too. I would also like to see all electronic navigation equipment powered up and showing signs that they operate correctly. If you are buying a boat for a couple of thousand, it is to be expected that a few items may not work. If on the other hand your purchase is in the 10’s or even 100’s of thousands, it is

not unreasonable to expect all, or at least almost all, electrics and electronics to work, and to take any non-working items into account when compiling an offer, One word of advice though, is to leave everything as you found it, whether that be on or off. There may be a reason the owner has left something on or off, and it may not always be obvious. The only exception to this would be if you found a problem that could potentially get worse. I once viewed a boat that had the battery charger on. The batteries were bubbling and venting furiously, filling the boat with dangerous hydrogen gas. I turned the battery charger off, but I made sure I informed the broker that I had done so and why, and I also asked him to inform the owner.

Before buying any used boat, always employ the services of a YDSA or a IIMS accredited surveyor and, if you have any doubt about the engines, a separate engine survey by a suitably qualified person is recommended.

Which antifoul will banish the barnacles?Q This is my second winter of ownership of our Princess 32 and I am about to antifoul it again. Last year I picked up a couple of 750ml cans of the cheapest stuff I could find and applied it until it was used up. The result wasn’t very good. At the end of the season I had a good harvest of barnacles all over the bottom of the boat. I suspect the cheap antifouling might be part of the problem, but before I start looking for an alternative I wondered if there was a particular antifoul that worked well on east coast waters.

A While it is true that some antifoul paints work better than others in certain areas, and that cheap antifoul is not always as good as more expensive brands, although sometimes it can prove just as successful, I think your problem may be down to application. To be effective, antifoul paint needs to be applied to the required thickness. It is easy, as you found out, to make 1.5 litres cover the hull of a 32 foot boat, but if you look at the manufacturers websites they will give you the required quantities for any given hull type and length, and your boat would need more than 1.5 litres to achieve the required film thickness. To give you an

example, International’s Cruiser Uno, which I have found to be good on the east coast, requires 3.2 litres

for a boat of your size. Seajet Samurai 031, another good product that is well-priced, would require 3 litres. We have attached our antifouling guide to the end of this issue, which anyone about to embark on this job may find useful.

To be effective, it is important to apply the right amount of antifoul

Q&A Your Questions Answered

38 February 2017

http://www.yachtpaint.com/gbr/diy/products/antifouling/cruiser-uno.aspxhttp://www.seajetpaint.com/en/products/antifouling/seajet-031-samurai/http://www.seajetpaint.com/en/products/antifouling/seajet-031-samurai/

If you have a question, email us at

[email protected]


Q I am looking to buy my first boat that I want to use for family trips on the non-tidal Thames. The boat should be able to accommodate four, two adults and two young children, for up to a week at a time and have cooking and toilet facilities onboard. I would really like to buy new, as I know very little and like the idea of having dealer support and warranty, but my budget is £50k, so I suspect I may end up looking for something pre-owned. Any suggestions?

New inland family cruiser for £50k

A If it’s a boat just for non-tidal use, then I think your criteria can be met in full. How about a brand new Viking 24 for £47,866, or for a little over budget, a larger 275 pictured. For quite a bit under budget, you could also look at the smaller Viking 215 and 22 models, that manage to meet all of your criteria for £39k and £45k respectively. In a similar vein, you could get a compact Shetland 4+2 well within budget, starting at £23,999, or a Shetland 27 if you stretch things a little? There is a lot to be said for dealer support for a newcomer to this hobby, and with that in mind the Viking, with its Thames-based dealers at Reading, must surely be top of the list. Good luck.

How can I check my rev counter?Q I suspect that my rev counter is under-reading, as when I am flat out it reads 500rpm below its rated maximum, despite having the correct size props and achieving almost exactly the expected top speed. Is there an easy way of checking, or should I just install a new one?

A You can buy quite cheap handheld tachometers, which work by reading a piece of reflective material stuck onto a flywheel, crank shaft pulley or cam shaft pulley. If you use the latter, you will have to double the result to find the correct engine rpm. It should go without saying, but great care should be taken when working in close proximity to a running engine. Remove all jewelery and loose clothing, tie long hair back and keep fingers well away from moving parts.

mailto:[email protected]://www.tingdeneboatsales.net/new-boat-spec?BoatID=4946836http://www.tingdeneboatsales.net/new-boat-spec?BoatID=4956176http://www.tingdeneboatsales.net/new-boat-spec?BoatID=4946626http://www.tingdeneboatsales.net/new-boat-spec?BoatID=4956168http://www.shetlandboats.co.uk/range/7.phphttp://www.shetlandboats.co.uk/range/2.phphttp://www.shetlandboats.co.uk/range/2.php

Installing a domestic fridgeQ I want to install an electric fridge on my cruiser but, being on a budget, I am somewhat put off by the cost of 12-volt units. I can pick up a boat sized domestic fridge locally for around £70, and I am wondering about installing it on the boat and running it from an inverter. Would this work? Will the movement of the boat cause a domestic fridge any problems, particularly any slamming at sea? What size inverter will I need and will my two 110Ahr batteries deliver enough power?

A I have been down this route myself so can offer you some first hand advice. Typically, these small domestic fridges draw about 300W when running, although their startup current is going to be significantly more, which means you are probably looking at a 1kw inverter as a minimum. So, when the compressor is running, the fridge will draw around 25A from your batteries. Based on 50% usable power you have 110Ah available, assuming no other use. This will sustain the fridge for around 4 hours, less if using lights etc. Take into account a duty cycle of around 33%, although this depends largely upon ambient temperature, the contents of the fridge and the amount of times the fridge door is opened, you should have up to 13 hours run time, again less if you take into account other items using the battery. With the engine running, your alternator should keep up with demands. When on shorepower, your battery charger should take care of things assuming it is at least a 15A version. As long as you don’t want to spend days on anchor, you should be ok, but you can always turn it off if power is short,

it will stay cold for a few hours anyway. I didn’t experience any problems with the fridge, despite it being onboard during some quite rough passages, and it was still working when I sold the boat around five years after installing. What I will mention though is that domestic fridges have no form of door catch, and on more than one occasion the contents were dumped onto the floor when the door swung open. In the end, I resorted to a bungee across the door to keep it shut when underway.

Q&A Your Questions Answered

40 February 2017

Q I have a 1995 Sea Ray with a MerCruiser 4.3 V6 engine and I am planning to do my first oil change. What specification oil does this engine require?

Engine oil change

A The manual for this engine talks about using straight 30 or 40 weight oil, depending upon the temperature the boat is being operated in, although personally I would stick with a good multiviscocity oil. Quicksilver, a brand closely associated with Mercury Marine, produce a 25W-40 Four Stroke Engine Oil in both synthetic and mineral blends. The mineral version would be my preferred choice, although any good quality oil to the same specification would be equally good.

Authorised Admiral Sales & Service Dealers

Boatylicious Marine Ltd, Poole, Dorset 01202 618000 [email protected]

Boating Mania, Upminster, Essex 01708 226909 [email protected]

Bottom Line Ltd, Douglas IOM 01624 671671 [email protected]

Swordfish Marine, Dunoon, Argyll 01369 701905 [email protected]

Harbour Marine, Pwllheli, Gwynedd 01758 701707 [email protected] CELEBRATING OUR FIRST 1OO YEARS, GEARING UP FOR THE NEXT.

For more information visit www.barrus.co.uk

Pro-Fish™ 560 Pro-Fish™ 660

Robust, durable boats ideal for both amateur and professional anglers

If you have a question, email us at

[email protected]

http://clktr4ck.com/c4vlmailto:sales%40boatylicious.com?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner%20magazinemailto:boatingmania%40btinternet.com?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner%20magazinemailto:sales%40bottomline.im?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner%20magazinemailto:enquiries%40swordfishmarine.co.uk?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner%20magazinemailto:info%40harbourmarinepwllheli.co.uk?subject=Enquiry%20via%20Motorboat%20Owner%20magazinehttp://www.boatingmania.co.uk/http://boatylicious.com/http://www.bottomlinemarine.com/http://www.swordfishmarine.co.uk/http://harbourmarinepwllheli.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]

42 February 2017

If you are looking for a first boat or have outgrown your cuddy or bowrider, American boat builders have provided the UK with a bewildering array of stylish and affordable pocket cruisers in the 24-25ft size bracket. But which one do you choose? This month we visit the Sea Ray stable, and to one particularly popular 4-berth boat that saw a two-model, 10 year production run in the 90’s and 00’s, the 240 Sundancer. US boat builder, Sea Ray Boats wasfounded by a young Cornelius ‘Connie’ Nathaniel Ray in Oxford, Michigan,

Sea Ray 240 Sundancerin 1959, and the company specialised in producing stylish fibreglass performance leisure cruisers. In 1986, the builder became part of the Brunswick Corporation, joining other major US manufacturers, and competitors, such as Bayliner and Maxum. Sea Ray as a brand is highly regarded for its inventive use of space, and we can trace the 240 Sundancer’s origins right back to 1975, and to the SRV 240 Sundancer, Sea Ray’s first sterndrive powered sportscruiser to incorporate a double mid berth. Fast forward to 1995 and Sea Ray

CLASSIC CRUISERSa complete guide to the best boats on the used market


was offering two mid berth sportscruiser models, the 230 and 250 Sundancer. But in this fiercely competitive size bracket, Sea Ray upped the stakes and a year later introduced a new 240 Sundancer. Often referred to as the 240 DA, the new boat bridged the gap between the two models and looked almost identical to the 250, but without the bowsprit. This 24ft single sterndrive sportscruiser follows the typical entry-level sportscruiser DNA. It offers a generous cockpit for day boating, whilst delivering comfortable 2-4-berth accommodation down below. It is a fast

Built 1996-2005Prices then £31,495 (1996)Prices now £17,000-£27,000Length 23ft 6in / 7.16mBeam 8ft 6in / 2.59mDraught drive up 2ft / 0.6mdrive down 3ft 3in / 1mAir Draught 9ft 4in / 2.84mFuel 49 gallons / 227 litresWater 9 gallons / 41.6 litresDisplacement 1.95-2.5t approx

Sea Ray 240 Sundancerboat too, with single sterndrive power options up to 250hp, and later 320hp. In reality, it wasn’t until 1997 that we would see the 240 Sundancer in the UK, but it has certainly proved a popular model for long-standing dealers, Marina Marbella (UK) Ltd, based on the River Hamble. In 2000 the 240 Sundancer received a makeover and, for this, Sea Ray borrowed inspiration from its existing model, the 260 Sundancer (introduced in 1999). Its side decks disappeared, providing a full width cabin area, and its superstructure

44 February 2017

Club Sea Ray website and forum. With prices lingering around the £17-27k mark, we stepped aboard a petrol 1997 240 at Clarke & Carter to find out why these boats were so successful.

Can you spot the differences? Top, the 90’s 240 Sundancer which was built 1996-1999. Bottom, the later 240 Sundancer, which was in production between 2000-2005

was awarded curvaceous lines with sunken portholes. There was also a larger, non-integral bathing platform for access. Changes were fairly minimal in the interior, while the cockpit saw quite a major layout transformation. The 240 Sundancer was replaced by the 245 Sundancer in 2005. This was a totally new boat and, despite its name, it was slightly smaller overall than the previous 240’s. This boat was rebadged the ‘240 Sundancer’ a couple of years later and was in production until 2010. Today, Sea Ray offers 45 models ranging from 19-65 feet covering four categories, sportsboats, sportcruisers (the Sundancer range), sport yachts and yachts. The builder does not currently produce a 24ft modern equivalent to the 240. The smallest mid cabin sportscruiser currently offered is the 265 Sundancer, known as the260 in the US, which is priced from £102,240 with a standard single 6.2L MPI ECT MerCruiser (Bravo III) engine. Sea Ray, the brand, is now approaching 60 years old and has a superb owners archive on its website. There is also a great support network of owners out there, mainly in the US, including the very active

The brochures. Left, the 1975 SRV 240 Sundancer. Bottom, the 1996

and 2002 240 Sundancer

http://clubsearay.com/http://global.searay.com/page.aspx/pageid/163674/Owners-Resources.aspxhttp://global.searay.com/page.aspx/pageid/163674/Owners-Resources.aspx


InteriorAs you descend through the central companionway, a cosy cabin area greets you. Ahead is the fairly spacious, V-shaped, raised dinette. The galley unit is to port and a toilet compartment is on the starboard side. The dinette area, with its slot-in table, is ample for four and converts into a generous double berth. However, due to the galley unit on the port side, this berth is slightly offset. As the floor has various levels, cabin headroom does vary, but crucially the height at the galley sink is just under 6ft. You will note that the companionway door is solid white GRP, rather than the often found clear plastic, and closing this creates a very private cabin area, as well as providing practical foredeck access. The galley unit is basic, but perfectly adequate for dayboating and weekending. The galley unit features a circular plastic

Private, cosy and functional. The 240 Sundancer has a traditional, convertible dinette area forward

or metal sink, a single alcohol hob (an optional extra) and a dual voltage 31-litre fridge that is powered by shorepower and 12 volt. Some boats may even be fitted with a microwave and, on older boats, there are usually two good size lockers either side the fridge, providing galley and cabin storage. There is a bin concealed in the companionway steps, and behind the galley worktop is an open storage unit, which incorporates the boats electrical switch panel. The only thing the galley lacks is easily accessible electrical points. There is usually just one socket in the entrance to the mid cabin. Tucked away aft, underneath the cockpit sole, is a full-beam mid berth. We were impressed with the size of this berth, at well over 6ft in length. The berth offers seated headroom, with a backrest cushion, and a sliding opening port, with a fly screen, set into the cockpit bulkhead. The

46 February 2017

The mid berth may look basic but it is actually quite a generous size, particularly in length

mid cabin berth can also be sectioned off for privacy by a semi-rigid concertina enclosure, which was changed to a

curtain on later boats. Storage for clothing is limited. Early boats do not have a wardrobe, while boats from 2003 onwards have one on the starboard side, just forward of the toilet compartment, which reduces the length of the seating slightly. Early models usually have the standard basic toilet compartment with just a toilet, a part-moulded floor, and carpet wall linings. On these boats, the galley sink has to double as a washing convenience when overnighting. However, a sink unit and cubicle was an optional extra. Updated models from 2000 have a moulded cubicle as standard, with an integral washbasin, storage and shower mixer tap. The ability to shower and wash aboard transformed this 24ft boat, as owners could now be more self sufficient and stay aboard longer. An electric toilet and a holding tank were also optional extras. 1990’s boats will usually have the

The evolution of the galley. A stark but practical 90’s galley, progressing to wood finishes in 2003


fashionable white interiors of the era, and Sea Ray offset these with heavily patterned fabrics. Yes, interiors may appear a little stark and dated, but these are usually good quality, perfectly serviceable and promote plenty of light in the cabin area. Wood veneers, usually cherry, did not really appear until much later in the 00’s. Light coloured carpet linings are also common in US-built cruisers. These can suffer from mould through lack of ventilation, or staining that could indicate leaks from portholes and hatches. The portholes on 90’s boats are usually Perspex, which is prone to damage and can suffer from crazing. We noted a lack of opening ports in the galley, toilet and main cabin area, although the foredeck hatch, cabin door and a slide-opening porthole in the mid cabin should provide sufficient ventilation. Sea Ray addressed this in its 2000 model update, by adding metal-framed opening ports all around.

On DeckWe were very impressed by the access to the foredeck on these boats. The curved companionway door, with its moulded step and generous flat top, provides a fairly wide and reassuringly safe passageway through the windscreen onto the foredeck.

1997 £17,950Single MerCruiser 5.7LX 250hp Clarke & Carter Burnham01621 785600www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk

2001 £24,950Single Volvo KAD32 170hp dieselClipper Marine Poole01202 916 424www.clippermarine.co.uk

2002 £21,995MerCruiser 5.0l MPI 260hpMadog Boat Sales01766 514 205www.madogboatsales.com

1997 £19,950MerCruiser 5.0l MPI 240hpHarbour Yachts01202 660150www.harbouryachts.co.uk

The basic 90’s toilet compartment, left, and a 2000 cubicle

http://clarkeandcarter.co.uk/boats-for-sale/1997-sea-ray-240-sundancer-burnham-on-crouch-united-kingdom-5962773/http://clippermarine.co.uk/boat-for-sale/Sea-Ray-240-Sundancer-FOR-SALE-5826798.htmlhttp://madogboatsales.com/boat-details.php?Make=Sea-Ray&Model=240-Sundancer&BoatID=5912270http://www.harbouryachts.co.uk/boat.php?stock_id=SEKP%201442&boat=Sea%20Ray-240%20Sundancer

48 February 2017

platform, with a bathing ladder and hips that extend aft each side. Most 00’s models will be fitted with the extended bathing platform, giving an extra 2 foot on the length, bringing the 240 up to 26ft overall. This is perfect for side-on and stern-to access. These will usually be fitted with a swim ladder (longer than the previous model) and an access hatch to inspect the drive/propeller. These later models also have a useful deck storage locker in the transom, which is accessible from the bathing platform.

Cockpit & HelmThe cockpit is where you will spend most of your time and, with two layout configurations, it is here you see the major differences between the two 240 models. On 90’s boats you enter the cockpit via a transom gate on the port side. There is a dinette-cum-sunpad area to starboard. This backs immediately onto a double helm seat and its combined seat base provides a large storage locker, which is accessible from both sides. This carpet-lined locker neatly swallows up the cockpit table and pedestal, fenders, rope and other

The 90’s cockpit is quite spacious and versatile for two people. Foredeck access is impressive

Later boats have an extended bathing platform

The foredeck itself is one level and slopes gradually to the bow. On both boats, low guardrails enclose the area and, due to the foredeck slope, offer slightly more height and on-deck security at the bow. Many boats will be fitted with an electric anchor winch, with a chain locker that is accessible from the foredeck. The combination of a transom door and decent bathing platform make these boats very accessible for boarding and crewing. 90’s models have a good size integral


deck equipment. The double helm seat is not adjustable but provides adequate support and visibility. Although the helm seat is a good double width, the steering wheel is mounted centrally and may not be comfortable for two when underway. On the port side there is a sunlounger, its moulded base providing the necessary headroom for the mid berth below. The 00’s 240 has a curved transom with a gate on the starboard side. Inside the cockpit there is a dedicated dinette area to port that converts into a sunpad. Pull a lever and the aft-facing seat slides out to meet the transom seat. Ahead is an L-shaped bolstered seating area providing good forward facing views whilst underway. Again, on the opposite side is the helm, this has a single supportive bucket seat on a pedestal and raised

plinth. Behind this is a small storage unit with optional sink. The revised layout is obviously more akin to modern-day sportscruisers and, therefore, more desirable. We think it is also more suitable for younger families as it keeps everyone ‘up front’ whilst underway. The covered cockpit is an important area on this boat, so be sure to inspect the condition of the canopy. There is a lot of canvas and it could be an un-factored expense if found to be in poor condition. With a number of horizontal zipped sections and removable side screens, the canopy can usually be configured in a number of ways. Check the clear sections for UV damage and also where it comes into contact with the metal framework, as this can burn and damage it in sunshine. With the canopy up or down, there is

The ‘00’s cockpit offers comfort for the helmsman and better forward-facing seating for the navigator

50 February 2017

However, these boats are particularly sensitive to trim at speed, and movement onboard, weight distribution or wind conditions will easily upset the lateral trim. Hydraulic trim tabs were fitted as standard to improve performance. Owners might want to consider going a stage further and upgrading to an automatic system, which should work brilliantly at keeping the boat level, regardless of weight and wind shifts. The Sea Ray decals, stripes and logos along the waterline and superstructure of these boats can deteriorate and look tatty. They can be easily removed altogether, or sourced from Sea Ray and replaced. With the right vehicle and trailer the 240 Sundancer is towable. Weighing up to 3.5 tonnes all up, its shear size and weight when on a trailer means it not really suitable for regular day launches. However, we are certainly aware of owners towing their boats to far-flung places, such as the Med, for holidays afloat. Its size also makes it very suitable for drystacking, which can

Not too big to trail. The 240 Sundancer weighs between 2-2.5 tonnes but it is a big boat on a trailer

excellent visibility whilst helming, seated or standing, on both models. The helm consoles are very tidy and stylish, with dials and rocker switches displayed in wood effect dash panels. Unfortunately there is no space for a flush mounted chartplotter, so bracket mounting is usually the only option on these boats. Whilst in the cockpit, inspect the condition of the white vinyl seating. Wear tends to be in thoroughfare areas, such as bolstered transom backrest on 90’s boats and companionway edges of L-shaped seating on the 00’s boat.

Hull and HandlingSmall, fast sterndrive-powered sportscruisers are fun to drive, and the 240 Sundancer is no exception. Despite its 2-tonne weight, the combination of the modified V hull and copious power provide an exhilarating ‘get up and go’ ride, not too dissimilar to a sportsboat. It is also surprisingly stable for its size.


be a great cost-saving way to boat.

EnginesThe 240 Sundancer is usually powered by a single petrol V8 MerCruiser and sterndrive. Diesel options were available sporadically during the build. However, very few were built and therefore these tend to be quite rare in the UK. Initially, in 1996, the model was offered with several petrol options, and one diesel engine. The base engine was a 210hp MerCruiser 5.7 litre V8 engine, which was priced at £31,495. Two other power versions of this engine were available, the 220hp 5.7 EFI and a 250hp 5.7 LX. Top of the range at £40,291 was a 140hp MerCruiser D3.0L diesel engine that was mated to a single prop Bravo I sterndrive. By 1999 petrol options ranged from a 36-knot 220hp (£37,750) to the 5.7l 260hp EFI MCM (£42,274). Sea Ray had upped the diesel power option by introducing the 150hp D2.8l MerCruiser D-Tronic Diesel

(Bravo II) priced at £44,271. The reincarnation of the 240 Sundancer brought new MerCruiser engine options. There were two variations of a MerCruiser 5-litre engine available and again, these were usually mated to Bravo 1 or upgraded Bravo III sterndrives with duo props. There was the 230hp 5.0l EFI giving a top speed of approximately 34 knots and the 260hp 5.0l MPI offering 40 knots. There was also a 300hp engine in the form of a 350 Magnum and a 320hp MX 6.2. By 2003 the entry-level engine was the 260hp MerCruiser 5.7l EFI MCM Bravo III, which was priced from £41,151. There was also a 300hp MerCruiser Magnum 350 available for £56,680, a 320hp for £57,815. Finally, top of the range was the 170hp Volvo Penta KAD32 priced at £59,292. This engine offers a top speed of approximately 28 knots and cruising speeds in the region of 21-23 knots. Despite being considered a little underpowered, these boats will no doubt

Engine evolu

free digital magazine motorboat · free digital magazine sea ray 240da l used boat self survey l...

Documents