XO Explorer
Being an aluminium boat, it is relatively light at 4.6 tonnes with twin 350hp Verados. One of the most sensible features of the boat is its shock-absorbing seats, which look like motor cycle forks ... XO Explorer The intrepid Greg
This Boating Life – Bilge diving & other jobs!
Bilge diving and sorting out some odd jobs – Alex Whittaker is living the dream … Once again, I am sleeping aboard. This time I am working through a few easy jobs. The first is to replenish the ship’s spirits
Stepping Out
Fortunately, all the complications involved in designing and building a great stepped-hull boat are the boatbuilder’s to solve, not yours. Extra reinforcement is required to bridge the structural discontinuity across the steps, and stepped hulls are not as simple to
Ports of Call – Maryport Minimalism
Maryport struck us as a great place to station our boat to take a foray across to the Solway Firth to Scotland, and around to the Clyde … Maryport is a very convenient and nicely equipped marina, with very helpful
Yard Visit – Custom Yacht Works
‘Today we stand on the edge of an exciting future.’ ‘It’s taken many years for us to filter through suppliers until we found the companies we are happy to use …' ‘Twelve months’ lack of attention to a wooden boat
Towing the Line
Remember that any boat/trailer combination over 750kg must have brakes fitted. While carrying out your checks, be sure to ‘feel’ for play in the wheel bearings. First and foremost, you need to ensure that your load is secure. Do not
Galápagos Landing
… they move slowly and basically spend their days eating, sleeping, taking mud baths and having sex when the mood takes them. There is something prehistoric about these dragon-like creatures and they are fascinating to watch. The wildlife encounters were
This Boating Life – Tales of Tagomago
Franz steered towards this non-biodegradable testament to our modern lifestyle and worrying hazard to marine wildlife. He methodically pulled all the pollution aboard with his boathook, and I helped pack it away in a sack and a large plastic bucket.
The Making of RIB Tubes
… The appeal of PVC tubes is straightforward; their price advantage is spectacular. … PU is the uncontested Arnold Schwarzenegger of the RIB fabric world. … For builders of custom and semi-custom RIBs, CSM’s versatility is a big plus. The
Ports of Call – Enticing Tenby
It certainly has bustle and crowds, but it was much more refined and polished than we had anticipated. It has mostly avoided brashness and the usual seaside tat. There is definitely an emerging ‘cafe society’ feel to the town, and
‘The Sea Shall Not Have Them’
As Scott-Paine once said, his boats could take more punishment than their crews. Luckily, unlike many of her counterparts that were broken up after the war, HSL 102 was turned into a houseboat. … the restoration shopping list was considerable:
Garmin inReach Mini
Garmin inReach Mini Following the full-size inReach launched last year, Garmin have developed the inReach Mini. This compact satellite communicator offers two-way messaging and a 24/7 SOS function. Measuring 10cm x 5cm and weighing just 120g, the inReach Mini can
Twin Disc EJS Variable Idle System
Twin Disc EJS Variable Idle System In following up their Express Joystick System (EJS) and Express Positioning, launched last year, Twin Disc have now introduced a new enhanced facility. Simultaneously controlling engine speed, transmission and bow thruster through a joystick,
Ready for Blast-off
Ready for Blast-off With thousands of youngsters having tried their hand at the throttle in the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship over the past 16 years, it’s time once again to get the engines revving and offer a new wave
Tecnorib Unveil Pirelli J33 Azimut Special Edition
Tecnorib Unveil Pirelli J33 Azimut Special Edition Tecnorib, official licensee of the Pirelli RIBs brand, made their US debut at the Miami Yacht Show with the new Pirelli J33 Azimut Special Edition – the first model in the range to
Pegasus RIB Finance Deal
Pegasus RIB Finance Deal Pegasus are currently offering a new and attractive finance deal on RIBs of any age, make or model. No deposits are required, and the company is offering exclusive low APR rates, with payouts available within 24
Sunseeker Hawk 27
Should you be in any doubt as to the engines’ credibility, then consider having them rebuilt by an independent engineer with knowledge of these engines. … if you are up for something a bit different, and cost-effective, that will always
Nimbus 370/380
What was different about driving the Nimbus compared to other semi-displacement boats was the virtually linear performance delivery. The wide scope of its appeal, encompassing both yachtsmen and motor boaters, underlines this boat’s versatility … These boats are beautifully built
Rodman SPIRIT 42 Coupé
Her stylish interior is in keeping with the popular concept that tends to dominate the industry – that of creating maximum interior space, often at the cost of extra displacement. … this is a typically tough Rodman with an efficient
Quicksilver Activ 855 Weekend
The Quicksilver Activ 855 is a well-made boat, whose finish, particularly the joinery, does not smack of compromise. It has achieved a good blend of living accommodation and practicality, which is all too important in this size and type of
Prestige 680S
Prestige 680S If you want a flybridge cruiser that feels like a coupé, Prestige’s ingenious 680S might just be the way to go. Alex Smith reports. It’s early in the morning - just a few minutes past sunrise
Jeanneau Leader 33
While the 30 and the 36 are quite striking examples of their type, the 33 looks like the best-judged Leader yet. … it achieves pretty much everything the larger boat does, but on a smaller, more affordable platform. Jeanneau Leader
Bella 600 BR
With impressive quality of build, clarity of design and purity of ergonomic arrangement, nothing here is allowed to spoil the drive or complicate the life of the owner. It’s rapid as well as comfy, secure as well as spacious, versatile
Axopar 37 Sun-Top
Few boats offer such a smooth ride and such an easy point and shoot driving experience. It is cleverly designed and well thought out, with close attention to detail … On the surface, it may appear to be just another
Zodiac Nautic Avon eJET
Zodiac Nautic Avon eJET Launched at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival and recently shown at the Miami Boat Show, the Avon eJET, a fully electric jet tender, has started to make an impact in the world of silent powerboating. Working
