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EASY ACCESS FAMILY BOATING
GET STARTED WITH THE PERFECT KAYAK
EXCELLENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE
PUBLISHING
JUNE 2011www.boatmart.co.uk
ONLY £3.50Practical boating at its best
MORE THAN 60 PAGES OF PRACTICAL ADVICE & BUYING TIPS
PLUS JUMBLE WATCH, SHOW FOCUS & TRAILER ADVICE
ALSO PROFILED INSIDEOLYMPIC 500C
SUPER STAR SNEAK PEEK AT NORTHSTAR’S NEW RIB
EXPERT ADVICE EASY UPGRADES
INGENIOUS WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BOAT
PROJECT BOATFIRST IN A NEW SERIES ON FITTING OUT A SMARTWAVE FROM SCRATCH
TECH TALKEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ENGINE OILS, ANCHORS AND SAFETY AT SEA
IN SEARCH OF CONGER IDIOT-PROOF SLIPWAY GUIDE
USED OUTBOARD BUYER
WIN INSURANCEWORTH £400WITH TOWERGATE MARDON
BUYING TIPSBUYING TIPS
IDIOT-PROOF SLIPWAY GUIDE
NEWLOOKISSUE
HUNDREDS OF NEW AND USED BOATS FOR SALE
BM JUN COVER_RO_MH.idml 1 21/04/2011 15:27
Contents June 2011
Newsline
12 UK News All the latest news from the UK boat scene
16 Boating Accessories Latest boating gear for you and your crew
18 Used engine search Top ten tips for a good used outboard
24 Strange but True Irving Stewart scours the UK for the more unusual boating stories
Buying Advice
30 Used Monterey Anyone fancy a half-price family boat?
34 Used kayak buyer The simple way to get on the water
40 Five new boat buying options The £15K dayboat from Ash Marine
48 Used tow car test In search of a used Mitsubishi L200
52 Excel SR470 A new RIB from the inflatable specialist
58 Navtex revolution The easy route to live weather updates
Deals of the month 36
Best buys at £1K, £2K, £5K and £10K
117 Canal and Barges 118 Cruisers 120 Commercial120 Fishing Boats121 RIBS123 Sports/Speed 124 Personal Watercraft124 Classic Sail124 Sailing Yachts125 Trailer Sailers 125 Sailing Dinghies 130 Chandlery 132 Classifieds
Looking To Sell?If You’re Looking To Sell Your Boat, Then Boat Mart (In Conjunction With Boatandyachtbuyer.Co.Uk) Can Help
Boats For Sale
contents.indd 8 21/04/2011 17:50
June 2011
On the Water
64 Events Diary Find an event near you in May and June
66 Readers’ letters Best of the bunch from the readers’ mailbox
70 Jumble Watch In search of the UK’s greatest deals
72 The Good Life Part 2 of our inland liveaboard blog
74 Show Watch Five more events under the Boat Mart microscope
Practical
78 Twin engine teaser Are two engines always better than one?
79 Practical expert All you need to know about engine oils
80 Practical Kit Four more upgrade avenues for the DIY boater
82 DIY Project Our new Smartwave fi t-out series begins
87 Mini Project Upgrade your on board fridge
88 Skippers’ Tips Safety at sea with the RYA
92 Angling Advice The hunt is on for the magnifi cent conger
96 Trailer Talk Launching made easy
30
52
DIYPROJECT
40
WIN INSURANCEWORTH £400FOR YOUR CHANCE SEE PAGE 101
Used Monterey
Excel SR470
contents.indd 9 21/04/2011 17:50
12 ● www.boatmart.co.uk ● Boat Mart
Newsline
Town Quay plans unveiledThe new and improved Town Quay Marina in Southampton is now open to sailors who want to pop in for the night as well as those who take berths on an annual basis - and Associated British Ports (ABP) bosses say it will be a big draw.
The building of a new reception and luxury shower facilities, plus a redesign of the pontoons for easier access and improvements to water and electricity supplies have already been carried out. The berths have also been split into different price categories from economy to diamond. And some packages include special offers to entice visitors out to the city’s Harbour Lights Picture House and the Turner Sims Concert Hall.
Town Quay manager, Lex Bancroft, said: “Historically, Town Quay offered economic marina berths with basic facilities in a great location close to the city centre. We are now able to offer the same city centre location, but with superb new facilities, while maintaining very competitive prices. With only 123 berths, our team is able to provide a personal service to the annual berth holders and welcome visitors to the marina at any time, day and night.”
The next two phases of work include a reconfiguration of the road, a wide pedestrian walkway and a refurbishment of the internal office areas. We will keep you up to speed on developments.www.townquay.com
Kit News - P16From books to bags and electronics to accessories . . .
Gibbs Marine wins CobaltGibbs Marine has become the exclusive UK dealer for Cobalt Boats - and Gibbs Marine Sales Manager, Steven Chambers, is plainly delighted: “We have been one of the largest International Regal dealerships for over 20 years. But we wanted something different to offer our customers - specifically a brand that was at the top of the sports boat market.”
And it seems Gibbs Marine is not a company to hang around. At the time of going to press, they already had two new Cobalts in the water, the A25 bowrider featuring a hydraulic swim platform and the spacious 243 Cuddy. With a purpose built showroom and direct water frontage on site, Gibbs Marine is a fine place to view a boat, so if you fancy a test drive, give them a bell.01932 242977www.gibbsmarine.co.uk
bm_june_news.indd 12 21/04/2011 15:35
Boat Mart ● www.boatmart.co.uk ● 13
NEWSLINEUK BOAT NEWS
News in brief
Green Blue Antifoul StudyThe Green Blue has commissioned a review on antifouling use in inland waterways. Running from April until late May, the project will consider the extent of (and the need for) antifouling in inland waterways. It will also assess the ecological impacts of antifouling in inland waterways.www.thegreenblue.org.uk
Cautious RYA welcome for Coastguard ‘modernisation’ The RYA has responded to the MCA’s consultation paper on the modernisation of the Coastguard service with guarded optimism. RYA Cruising Manager, Stuart Carruthers, explains: “It is quite evident that the consultation has provoked much emotion and even hostility. However, the proposals seek to address the lack of interoperability between Rescue Co-ordination Centres, the inability to spread the workload across the system and the fundamental lack of resilience caused by increased demands on the current inadequate structure. All of these have implications for the safety of recreational boaters and the RYA has made it clear that there is a pressing need to address these weaknesses.”
Even so, the RYA also raises concerns over lack of clear risk assessment, local knowledge, voice communications, sub-stations and weather forecasts. And it says the new system must be focused on outcomes and underpinned by flexible procedures that can deal with the increasing complexity of managing the UK’s waters.
If you have an opinion on this incendiary issue, make sure you let us know.www.rya.org.uk/cruising
Engine News - P21The camouflaged Tohatsu and the 557hp outboard!
Peculiar News - P24Will the skipper of the future really look like Superman?
Museum is poles apart
The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth has opened a new exhibition called ‘On Thin Ice: Pioneers of Polar Exploration’.
Developed in partnership with the Polar Museum in Cambridge, the new six-month feature is designed to provide a chilling insight into Britain’s polar heritage. It features a historic collection of artefacts from the tragic Terra Nova expedition of 1910 to 1913, including Scott’s snow goggles, a compass, pony snow shoes, man-hauling harness, journal wallet and letters. And Shackleton’s vest also sits alongside Leonard Hussey’s banjo, with fragments from the James Caird, honouring the voyage aboard Endurance from 1914 to 1917 that became such a renowned epic of survival.
Ben Lumby, Exhibitions Manager at the museum, said: “Some might say that Falmouth couldn’t be further away from the poles, but this exhibition ensures you get as close as you can without actually being at minus 45 degrees. The exhibition is an important reminder of the intensity of isolation and hardship the poles present and of the grit and determination of the men and women who make it their goal to get there.”
Shackleton’s ad when planning his Nimrod expedition, is quite revealing: “Men wanted for
hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.” That just about says it all.
Batmobile of the SeaA striking new craft has emerged from the US Department of Defence. Called the M80 Stiletto, its ‘M-Hull’ technology has seen it described by the media as the ‘Batmobile of the Sea’.
With four 1,652hp engines, she is capable of speeds in excess of 50 knots and is the largest carbon fibre hull in the US Navy, with a length of 80 feet and huge beam of 40 feet. Another staggering feature of the M-hull design and the lightweight carbon fibre construction is that the boat has a draft of just two and a half feet, enabling easy shallow water navigation.
The Batmobile is the result of a need for ‘smaller, faster and more agile ships that could compete with the enemy for control of coasts and littoral waters.’ Built by M-Ship, a naval architecture and research firm, this first Stiletto was only envisioned as a prototype for demo purposes. But once in the DoD’s hands, the US joint forces pushed ahead quickly to deploy her in active duty service, where she has successfully conducted counter-illicit drug trafficking operations with USSOUTHCOM in the Caribbean. Just imagine dropping anchor in this thing outside your local waterside pub . . .
bm_june_news.indd 13 21/04/2011 15:35
16 ● www.boatmart.co.uk ● Boat Mart
Latest Gear NewsWinch range extended
Lewmar has extended the EVO Sport Winch Range to include the smaller Size 7, Size 8 and Size 16. The new additions
join the Size 15, 30 and 40 to provide a comprehensive range
of non self-tailing winches. Complementing the EVO Self-Tailing Range of winches, the
EVO Sport is ideal for sports boats requiring constant trimming
and where weight saving is crucial. The free trimming configuration suits halyards and the EVO Sport can also be mast-mounted. Like the EVO Self-Tailing Range, the EVO Sport features tool-free servicing and a choice of alloy or chrome finish. With the addition of the new sizes, the EVO Sport is now available for smaller dayboats as a general-purpose winch alongside larger EVO primary winches. www.lewmar.com
Lowrance wins accoladeLowrance (a big player in outdoor electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992) has received an award for its Elite-5x DSI echo sounder at the European Sea Fishing Show in Nantes, France. The Elite-5x DSI model gained the accolade for its DownScan Imaging technology, its colour displays and its simple, intuitive operation. Greg Konig, Lowrance Product Line Director, said: “We are thrilled the Elite-5x DSI has been recognised for its innovation at the European Sea Fishing Show. The unit comprises today’s most inventive sonar technology for anglers and boaters at an affordable price. We appreciate the sea fishing market for its continued endorsement, underlining our commitment to providing truly pioneering electronics that improve and simplify the fishing experience.” www.lowrance.co.uk
Kit NewsOnline Ocean WearThe new Ocean Wear collection from Dutch company, Bearing, is designed for active sailors - and that means no more heavy, bulky jackets or trousers. Instead, these lightweight garments are designed to combine quality protection against the elements with flexibility and comfort. The AMT inshore jacket (pictured right) is made from Schoeller NanoSphere, three-layer stretch fabric with what the company calls ‘bionic membrane’ technology. It’s only available online so you can’t try it on until it arrives on your doormat, but at prices like these, you should expect a waterproof, windproof and appropriately breathable garment that fits well and looks and feels great. Price: 349 Euroswww.bearing-sportswear.com
Compiled by Alex Smith
Side-imaging sonarGeonav has become the first manufacturer to introduce Side Imaging and Down Imaging sonar to the blue water marine electronics market. Available on Geonav’s new GIS 12 and GIS 10 integrated Multi-Function Displays, Side Imaging Sonar extends 240 feet on each side of the boat, while Down Imaging sonar offers picture-like images of what is directly below the boat. With full GPS integration, you can even mark the location of structures or wrecks as waypoints directly on screen.www.geonavmarine.com
The Prop HandbookThis 176-page paperback describes itself as the ‘Complete Reference for Choosing, Installing and Understanding Boat Propellers’ so it has a serious job to do. Even so, this reference for all boats (power and sail, working and pleasure) is written not for PhDs seeking the latest tweak in high-tech propeller design, but as a practical aid for the average mechanic, engineer, boatbuilder, boat owner or naval architect. Propellers remain something of a black art and when a boat doesn’t perform as advertised, it’s often the propeller that’s at fault. The handbook answers such key questions as why the engine won’t reach its top RPM, why the propeller shaft is vibrating and why the boat doesn’t reach its advertised speed. Obviously, picking the right prop requires some on-water testing, but this book remains a fine starting point.Price: £14.99Publisher: TAB Books Inc - New EditionISBN: 9780071381765
bm_june_kit.indd 16 21/04/2011 15:39
Buying AdviceBuying Advice20PACKEDPAGESP30 A secondhand Monterey for the bargain hunter
P34 Is a used kayak the perfect starter boat?P36 Boat packages for every budgetP40 Five brand new boat-buying ideas
P48 In search of a used Mitsubishi L200P52 The mini RIB from the experts at ExcelP58 Is it time to rediscover Navtex?
Bombproof runabout for £549
30 48 52
bm_june_opener.indd 2 21/04/2011 17:46
40 ● Buying Advice ● Boat Mart
Olympic 500CIf you need an affordable multi-purpose boat, the Olympic 500C from Ash Marine is just the ticket.
The Olympic boatyard is one we have had dealings with before. We saw evidence of how good it can be back in 2005, when the predecessor of the boat we see here won hands-down in a group supertest to fi nd the best value craft with a budget
of just £12,000. We had four marine journalists on the case for a full day of testing and yet the verdict was entirely unanimous. We might have been surprised by the uncompromising polarity of our own results but, with a factory in Greece that has been producing affordable GRP boats for 26 years, the builders themselves seemed far less taken aback by the outcome.
Today, the Olympic range continues to concentrate on small, well-priced leisure craft. It consists of 16 boats of between four and 5.8 metres in length, primarily in the form of Centre Console, Cuddy or Bow Rider craft. And broad though the range is, the 500C remains a fi ne example of a cost-effective do-it-all boat.
You get a comfortable cabin with a full set of cushions, plus decent walkways on both sides of the boat to take you from the broad, deep cockpit up to the bulbous foredeck. You get plenty of storage behind the aft bench and a revolving helm seat so you can face the rest of your passengers.
The basic features are fairly sparse and the topside mouldings are slightly dated in their angular shape, but you do get some elements of notable quality. Take a look at the curved and tempered safety glass screen, the elevated stainless steel rails, the self-draining cockpit and the integral swim platform. Take a look at the rather attractive two-tone gelcoat, the self-bailing cockpit, the Scandinavian-style forepeak
and the reassuring fi ve-year structural hull warranty - and you know that this is very good value for money. We will bring you a full test soon . . .
Specifi cations
Length overall: 5.44 mHull length: 4.98 mBeam overall: 2.15 mWeight: 500 kgPower range: 50-100hpMax people: sixDeadrise: 18 degreesHull warranty: fi ve yearsPrice: from £14,799
ContactAsh Marine20 High St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0EA01392 876654www.ashmarine.net
Who are Ash Marine?Ash Marine, established in 2002, before moving to the gorgeous south Devon town of Topsham in 2004, is a main southwest stockist for Redfi nn, Rae Line, Kingfi sher and Olympic boats. They also offer marine engineering services and a wide range of used boats. What is more diffi cult to quantify (but even more welcome to most visiting boaters) is the fact that Barn and Ash Isard (the brothers at the heart of the company) are some of the friendliest, most approachable and most enthusiastic people you could wish to meet. If ever there was a company you can enjoy buying a boat from, Ash Marine is it.
bm_june_profiles.indd 40 21/04/2011 15:54
52 ● Buying Advice ● Boat Mart
Voyager SR470 Irving Stewart takes a look at the latest offering from the prolifi c Excel Infl atables fl eet.
I found the ever-smiling MD of Excel Infl atables, Terry Wright, every bit as prepared as I have come to expect. He was waiting for me with the new SR470 RIB,
plus an additional couple of infl atables loaded behind his pick-up. He was keen to get started while our tenuous weather window lasted, so off we set. Perhaps arriving at the sailing club to discover there was not a single sailboat on the water was an ominous sign - but nevertheless, we launched quickly and easily and set about the task of the day.
From infl atables to RIBs The Excel Voyager SR470 was fi rst seen at the London Boat Show in January of this year, where it was heralded as the fi rst of a new range of Excel RIBs to hit our shores. Since he started importing Excel infl atables into Europe just six or seven years back, Terry has worked tirelessly to establish the brand by attending shows, travelling around the UK and Europe to appoint dealers and, of course, doing what he does best - selling boats.
Having fi rmly established Excel as an infl atable brand, it was almost inevitable that the range would eventually expand
into affordable family RIBs - and now, after having worked very closely with the factory, there are eight Voyager RIB models from 2.4 to 5.2 metres in length.
The SR470 concept In essence, the Excel Voyager 4.7 is pretty simple. It has a medium-V hull with quite pronounced reverse chines and attractive two-tone 50cm tubes, which protrude a long way past the transom, helping to protect the engine.
The centrally mounted console has a double-width helm seat (with stowage beneath) and a traditional ‘suicide’ seat mounted in the front of the console. In addition, there is a conventional bow seat, with internal stowage, plus the option of
the 12.5 or 25-litre fuel tanks or even a fi tted 45-litre tank - all of which can be neatly stowed within the console.
On the water Before we tested the new RIB, under now very threatening clouds, we grabbed a few minutes to get some pictures in the spasmodic sunshine. And as the throttle went forward, my fi rst reaction was one of amusement. The RIB reared up at quite an acute angle as full power was applied and, while I at fi rst thought the engine was excessively trimmed out, it seems that this was not the case. With a solo driver and a heavy throttle, the Evinrude simply dug in and lifted the RIB onto the plane - much like a dramatically over-powered
The aft tube extensions and the medium V are key features of the
new RIB range
bm_june_excel.indd 52 21/04/2011 16:04
64 ● On The Water ● Boat Mart
Events DiaryTwo more months of must-see events are about to take hold of the UK boating scene. Here are some of the standout dates in May and June . . .
May
30 Apr - 02 May Canalway Cavalcade Little Venice, LondonThis is a community and waterways festival in the heart of London with over a hundred boats gathered in the pool, working and traditional boats in procession, trade shows, bands, kids’ activities and a real ale bar.● Entry - free● 02086 428104● www.waterways.org.uk
03 - 07 May Festival of Harbour Walks● Entry - free● 01243 512301● www.conservancy.co.uk
13 - 15 May - RIBEXCowes Yacht Haven, Isle of WightThe UK’s only dedicated RIB exhibition will be showing more than 80 boats afl oat in the event marina, ready for public sea trial, plus a whole tented village of special exhibits, food outlets and interactive displays.
● Entry - £4.50● www.ribexhibtions.co.uk
14 - 15 May Rickmansworth FestivalBatchworth Lock, Rickmansworth● Entry - free● www.waterways.org.uk
21 - 22 May Southampton SB and RIB ShowOcean Village Marina, ● Entry - free● 02380 229385● sportsboatandribshow.co.uk
27 - 30 May Fishguard Folk FestivalPembrokeshireConcerts, dance, busking, real ale and a guided smugglers walk.● Entry - free● 01348 875183
June
11 June Littlehampton River Revival ● Entry - free● 01903 721866● www.littlehampton.org.uk
MAYJUNE
10 - 12 JuneBeale Park Boat Show
The Beale Park Boat Show is one of the most enjoyable and inventive events in the calendar. As well as a race for homemade boats propelled by power tools, there will be a spell of opera singing on board a classic 1965 Meakes cruiser. This is defi nitely one not to miss.● Adult ticket: £7● Family ticket: £15● Mooring charge: £10● www.bealeparkboatshow.co.uk
07 - 08 May Plymouth Sail and Power ShowQueen Anne’s Battery, Plymouth
The seventh annual Plymouth Sail and Power Show is set to take place from 07 to 08 May 2011. Hosted at Queen Anne’s Battery, it is designed to showcase new and used boats, equipment, clothing and accessories, with on and off water displays, demos and competitions.
Queen Anne’s Battery is in the centre of Plymouth with excellent transport links - and its position at the entrance to Plymouth Sound also means there is plenty of open
water right on the doorstep, making it ideal for sea trials.
Renowned for hosting high-profi le international events, such as the single-handed Transatlantic Race and the Round Britain Race, the event village provides a natural amphitheatre around the marina, and a great vantage point for spectators to watch what’s happening in the basin.
While the most presitgious exhibitors include the likes of Sunseeker International and Princess Motor Yachts, the event will also present a collection of new and used boats and equipment - so every budget should be well catered for.
● Entry - free ● 01752 671142 ● www.sailandpowershow.co.uk
28 - 29 May Southend Airshow
Southend SeafrontThis is one of Europe’s largest free air shows and with an attendance of around half a million people, you can expect nine hours of fl ying over two days. There will also be more than 30 mobile caterers and ice-cream vans, plus three military areas, more than 20 exhibitors, a market and ground attractions covering more than a mile of the seafront.● Entry - free● 01702 390333● www.visitsouthend.co.uk
bm_june_diary.indd 64 21/04/2011 16:11
66 ● On The Water ● Boat Mart
Reader MailboxPerplexing questions, contentious rants or perhaps top tips for other readers and praise for great service - this is the place to share your thoughts with the nation.
There’s a team of Boat Mart experts ready and waiting to answer your boating queries. So what are you waiting for? If there’s a question you need answering, we have the experts right here.
� Engines� Propellers� Repairs� Electrics
� Equipment Fitting � Practical Projects
PETER CAPLEN
� Equipment � Electronics
� European Boating
COLIN JONES
� Small Motor Craft� Electrical Work
� Mechanical Work
PETER GREENWELL
� Used boats � Boat Buying
IRVING STEWART
� Practical Projects
� Inland Waterways
DAVID WEBBER
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Email your letters to the Editor: [email protected]
The winner of the Star Letter prize will receive one of these fabulous WaveRunner Cooler Bags worth £12.49. They can hold up to two six-packs of 330ml cans, making them perfect for those days afloat when a cool drink and bite to eat are required. For more information about this and many other Yamaha watersports accessories check out www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/accessories.
Reader’s used boat projectDear Boat Mart,I bought my Sea Ray Seville a few years back just so I could have some fun, play around and get my fi ngers dirty - and she has certainly fulfi lled the brief.
One of the big jobs though was stripping out the seating area, removing the seats and fuel tank and repairing the stringers as well as adding a new fl oor (all of which can be seen above). I did a lot of research into resins and I emailed SeaRay for plans. They were extremely helpful and mailed back some archive plans to me very promptly.
One thing that really stood out was that it was extremely important to use EPOXY resin rather than the polyester resins the boat had been built with. Why? Well, because polyester resin doesn’t really stick to anything. Certainly, it works very well when laying the glass in the original build because the glass is laid while it’s still tacky, enabling the formation of a chemical bond. But while subsequent use of polyester resin looks okay (as it appears to stick to itself), after a while, it will delaminate and fail. EPOXY might be far more expensive but
it does the job properly. As you can see from the pictures, I’ve repaired the stringers and reinforced the fl oor. The oak board on the new deck is from our fl oor at home. We had just fi tted 20mm solid oak fl ooring and we had a few boards left over - perfect for the boat. I am now about to remove the engine to change the Gimbal Housing as well as replace the manifolds. I’m going to put some of the work into the project section of the forum, so if you’re interested, keep an eye out . . . Oldboat
This a very interesting project, because it is typical of the kinds of repair needed on the cheap old speed boat hulls that often pop up on boat sales sites. It is also interesting because it is a large enough project to frighten off many potential purchasers, even if they are looking for a project boat.
If you could do a comprehensive write up of how you planned and carried out this project, it would be of great benefi t to many prospective boat buyers who are having to work on limited funds. A record of your costs for the project would also be a great help. In any case, it looks like you’ve done a great job so far.Boatmad
With proper epoxy resin and some spare oak fl oorboards, the internal refi t is really
coming together
bm_june_mail.indd 66 21/04/2011 16:15
88 ● Practical Expert ● Boat Mart
Emma Slater of the RYA takes a fresh look at staying safe on the water.
Stay safe at sea
The vital basics
We know it’s obvious, but whatever the size of your vessel, there’s always a small danger of falling overboard, so lifejackets and buoyancy aids are a must. Lifejackets are most suitable for open boats, yachts and motor cruisers, while buoyancy aids are best for dinghies and personal watercraft.
On an open boat, it would be silly for an inexperienced swimmer to fail to make a lifejacket part of their regular attire, but even strong swimmers should wear them as much as possible. The shock of falling into cold water can be genuinely disabling, so don’t just take them to sea. Keep them well maintained and wear them.
The other key point is communication. Should anything go wrong offshore, being able to call for help can be the difference between a minor mishap and a serious accident. While mobile phones are great for making a distress call when close to land, their reliance on land-based masts for signals makes them inappropriate for use on the water. As a minimum, you should therefore carry a handheld VHF radio when you’re not planning to stray too far away from land. And for longer trips, a fi xed VHF is more appropriate because it has a bigger range and it will enable you to be tracked down if you’re in trouble. It will also give you the ability to listen to up to date navigation and weather information so you can stay ahead of the game.
Happily, accidents on the water are very rare but it’s always important to prepare yourself just in case things don’t go according to plan. After all, there’s no point in checking the weather and wind conditions if you’re not prepared for what could happen should they change.
Now while larger boats (more than 13.7 metres in length) are required by law to have safety equipment on board, precautions should still be made for smaller pleasure craft. Even if you’re only planning a short cruise, properly equipping your boat should be a routine part of your preparation, so we have caled on the RYA’s Chief Instructor for Sail Cruising, Craig Burton, to guide us through the basic kit you should take with you on the water. Learn these simple truths and your safety planning should be easy and stress-free.
bm_june_rya.indd 88 21/04/2011 16:45
100 ● Practical Expert ● Boat Mart
Ever wondered what to look for when buying boat insurance? This month, Towergate Mardon cuts through the jargon to help clarify the issues you need to consider . . .
Buying boat insuranceIf you’re new to buying boat insurance or looking to renew, it’s diffi cult to know where to start. Do you choose a company recommended by a friend? Or do you search the internet for quotes from online providers (and try to compare quotes on a like-for-like policy basis)? And what does value for money really mean anyway?
Well for insurance (as with most things), you get what you pay for, which means it’s no good just comparing quotes on price alone. You need to scrutinise the terms and conditions to see what they do
and don’t cover and you need to satisfy yourself there will always be an expert on hand to turn to.
The trick is to fi nd a boat insurance provider that offers you the best of both worlds, with staff should who are both insurance gurus and experienced sailors. This ensures they’re familiar with any issues and concerns you may have and can offer cover that’s personal enough to meet your needs but extensive enough to cater for every eventuality. A tough task? Well here are some tips that might help .
1 Be preparedIf you’ve recently bought a boat and are planning to tow it to a new location, you’ll need to take out marine insurance beforehand. The previous owner’s cover does not extend to you and although your car insurance should cover a boat on tow, there may be length restrictions, so check with
your car insurer. And don’t forget to check the trailer. If this fails, your boat may be damaged and rendered unseaworthy. Check that the wheel bearings, hitch locks, breakaway cables and tyres are fi t for purpose.
2 Pick your policyYou may be asked if you want wide-ranging or third-party liability cover. Basically, wide-ranging pretty much does what its name implies, covering your boat in the event
of fi re, theft, vandalism and accidental damage. If your boat or equipment is damaged, you will be offered a replacement, which equals the current market value. By contrast, third-party liability provides fi nancial protection if you have an accident involving another boat. It compensates for any damage or injury incurred by that third-party, ensuring you’re not out of pocket. If you intend to use your craft for watersports, such as towing infl atables, check with your insurer that your policy covers this, as not all do.
3 Don’t pay over the odds Some yacht insurance providers automatically cover localised sailboat racing such as the Round the Isle of Wight Race (including damage to masts, spars, sails and
rigging) - and all at no extra cost. However, others may charge an additional premium, based upon the estimated cost of replacing the damaged parts, so if this is for you, then ask before you buy. Similarly, ask if there are any discounts for boats moored in marinas. Most insurance providers have agreements with specifi c marinas that could reduce your premiums by up to 20 per cent. You can also save costs if your boat is kept ashore.
bm_june_insurance.indd 100 21/04/2011 17:32
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Boat Mart ● www.boatmart.co.uk ● 145
Next Issue
Spot the differenceCan you spot the five differences below?
Cros
swor
d N
o.1
Magical aluminium The new Linder Catch is put to the test
Hunting Bass The greatest angling adventure of all
Electric AvenueThe amazing new engine from Torqeedo
DIY Project Fit your own steering in a single weekend
Trailer Advice The art of retrieving your boat
What about wood?Secondhand boats that may surprise you
July issue on sale - 26 May 2011
Across
2. Collective term for motive sailing
apparatus
5. Bulbous cylinder hung over a boat’s side
to absorb impact
6. Navigation device based on
celestial observation
7. Famously sunny South Hams boating town
9. Popular type of anchor
11. Strong knot for creating a loop at the
end of a rope
12. Fulcrum for an oar
14. Man on ship responsible for money
and supplies
15. Device designed to slow a boat in a storm
16. Seaside town on the Isle of Wight
18. Wing designed to create lift
19. Toward the stern
Down
1. First Duke of Bronte and famous
Naval Officer
3. Wind of between
34 and 37 knots
4. Ocean liner sunk
in April 1912
6. Captain of a ship
8. External self-
contained propulsion unit
10. Bar extending from the bow of a ship
13. Punish by dragging under ship
Answers will be published in next months magazine
1
5
67 8
10
11
14
15 16
18
19
12 13
9
2 3 4
bm_june_quiz.indd 145 21/04/2011 17:57
