HUNDREDS OF BOATS FOR SALE - SEE INSIDEHUNDREDS OF BOATS FOR SALE - SEE INSIDE

June 2010www.boatmart.co.ukONLY £3.50

DIARY DATES THE BEST EVENTS AND DESTINATIONS FOR UK BOATERS

TREASURE HUNT

BUDGET BOATING

BEST BOAT BUYS FOR JUST £2,000

GOT IT COVERED?PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON MARINE INSURANCE

INLAND EXPERTPROTECT YOUR CRUISER FROM CORROSION

WINDOW MAINTENANCE

IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING YOUR BOAT

WEATHER WATCHTHE BOATER’S GUIDE TO WEATHER PREDICTION

BAGGING A BASS DIY TENDER SHOW TIME TIMBER DINGHIES

PRO TIPS FROM TED TUCKERMAN UPGRADE YOUR RIB STEP-BY-STEP SPORTS BOAT AND RIB SHOW THE MERITS OF THE CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT

TESTED STORMCAT MONOSTORM - SUPER TOUGH SCOTTISH WARRIOR

WINTHOUSANDS OF POUNDS WORTH OF PRIZES TO GIVE AWAY IN OUR HUNT FOR THE UK’S GREATEST OUTBOARDS

GET THE BEST OUT OF THE GREAT BRITISH BOAT JUMBLE

JUNE

2010

BM JUNE 10 COVER NEW.indd 1 23/04/2010 13:13

EditorialEditor: Alex Smith

Email: EditorBoatMart@Boatmart.co.ukArt Editor: Mark HydeContributors: Peter Caplen, Angela Clay, Simon Everett, David Greenwood, Susan Greenwood, Colin Jones, Phil Pickin, Adrian Porter, Jane Rickard, Irving Stewart, Ted Tuckerman, David Webber

AdvertisingTel: 01223 460490Senior Sales Manager: Samantha BroomeAdvertising Manager: Claire BroadmoorePrivate Advertising Queries: 01223 460490Designers: Flo Terentjev, Sarah Garland

Production Studio Manager: Sal LawProduction Controller: Anthony GibbonsTel: 01223 460490 Email: copy@cslpublishing.com

SubscriptionsSubscription Hotline: 01442 879097Fax: 01442 872279Email: boatmart@webscribe.co.uk

Managing Director: Sue BaggaleyWeb: www.boatmart.co.uk

Published by:CSL Publishing Ltd, Alliance House, 49 Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HXTel: 01223 460490 Fax: 01223 315960 © 2010 CSL Publishing Ltd CSL Publishing also publishes All At Sea, Sports Boat and RIB, Jet Skier & PW and Boat & Yacht Buyer magazines.

Printed by Garnett Dickinson

Distributed by Comag Specialist

Tavistock Road, West Drayton UB7 7QE

DISCLAIMERThe views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will however investigate any written complaints. CSL prints advertisements provided to the publisher but gives no warrantee and makes no representation as to truth, accuracy or sufficiency of any description, photograph or statement. CSL accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relied either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. The advertiser warrants that the advertisement does not contravene any Act of Parliament nor is it in any way illegal or defamatory or an infringement of any other party’s rights or of the British Code of Advertising Practice.

For artistic purposes lifejackets are not shown in all of the photographs. Boat Mart strongly advises that lifejackets are worn at all times for watersports.

COPYRIGHTNo part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission of the publisher. Photocopying or other reproduction without the publisher’s permission is a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs.

This magazine is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper

GETTING THE BEST FROM THE UK’S BOAT JUMBLES

44THE BEAUTY OF A USED BOSTON WHALER

40

JUNE_10_Contents NEW.indd 2 22/04/2010 11:01

BOAT MART REGULARS

Throw us a line ...............09Newsline .........................15Subscribe ........................74Courses .........................120Boats & Yachts for sale .. 137Classifieds ................... 149Next issue ....................160

BUYING ADVICELINDER 445 ..........................23 The ‘tin’ temptress from Norway

STORMCAT MONOSTORM ....29 A rugged all-purpose boat from Scotland

SPORTS BOAT AND RIB SHOW ..............................35Find out what’s on offer at the season’s

most hotly anticipated event

BUDGET OF THE MONTH ....46Ingenious boat options on a

budget of £2,000

GETTING HITCHED ...............52The Nissan X-Trail gets a new lease of life

EQUIPMENTTOP GEAR ............................56 From fishing seats to battery banks

INSHORE SKIPPER ................65 The complex art of picking the right tender

ELECTRONICS MADE EASY ..........................71The modern chart plotter reconsidered

LIFESTYLECLASSIC CORNER ................81The secret to a boater’s inner calm

DINGHY WORLD ...................85The wonderful world of wooden boats

ANGLING ADVICE ..................88It’s bass time for British fishermen

PROTECT YOUR ASSETS ......93 Everything you ever needed to know

about insurance

DIARY DATES .......................99Two more months of must-see boat events

PRACTICALTECH TALK .........................105Practical advice for maintaining your

windows

PRACTICAL MONTHLY .......107More boat improvements for the DIY fan

PRACTICAL PROJECT ........111Equip your RIB for use as a tender

GETTING IT RIGHT .............117The art of effective weather prediction

BOAT MART FEATURES

FIND YOUR DREAM BOAT

PAGE 137

9746

DIY GUIDE TO RIGGING A TENDER

GETTING CLEVER WITH A BUDGET OF £2,000

111

JUNE_10_Contents NEW.indd 3 22/04/2010 11:02

ORKNEY 592LINDER 445 SPORTSMAN MAX

www.boatmart.co.uk Buy & sell for FREE with Boat Mart’s private classifi ed ad service Boat Mart I June 2010 I 23

LINDER 445 SPORTSMAN MAX

The many advantages, and

indeed the intrinsic logic, of

using aluminium as a boat

building material has been

discussed in Boat Mart for

decades. While we are more

than happy to climb aboard fast ferries built

of aluminium, admire alloy deep sea racing

yachts, and rely for our defence on naval

frigates built of similar material, the vast

majority of British recreational boaters seem

reluctant to accept ‘tinnies’ as a part of their

boating lives.

Vast numbers of aluminium boats are

bought by the Americans, Australians,

Europeans and Scandinavians, but us Brits

seem reluctant to accept that aluminium

boats can do everything we expect from

small craft. We seem oblivious of the fact that

they offer great longevity, coupled with very

little maintenance and excellent efficiency in

terms of required horsepower and overall fuel

consumption. You only have to look at any

dinghy or tender park around the coast to

discover aluminium craft of significant vintage

that still look as good as the day they were

built. Compare them to often tatty looking

GRP dinghies, inflatables and small RIBs and

the case for tinnies begins to make good

sense.

Okay, I’ll concede that some early 1960s

aluminium boats, built with non marine

grade alloy and poorly riveted together, have

not stood the test of time. But things have

changed dramatically and today’s tinnies

are a totally different kettle of fish. I find it

highly amusing that, while we enthuse over

the weight saving advantages of prestige

sports cars built of alloy, and have no

qualms about jetting off on holiday in thin-

skinned alloy aircraft, we are slow to accept

similar materials in our boats. When you

consider that the latest generation of small

aluminium hulled RIBs are actually lighter

than inflatables, but tougher than far heavier

From the ever-practical Scandinavians comes an aluminium day boat with a little bit of sporting pedigree. Stuart Field tests the Linder 445 Sportsman Max.

BM JUNE 10 LINDER.indd 23 22/04/2010 10:26

ORKNEY 592buYiNg advicE

www.boatmart.co.uk Buy & sell for FREE with Boat Mart’s private classified ad service Boat Mart I June 2010 I 29

Stormcat monoStorm

One of the benefits

of small homeland

boat builders is

their adaptability.

If they have a

boat that is nearly

what you want but not quite, they will,

more often than not, accommodate your

wishes by adapting the existing model

to your specification. Once this has been

done they then have the option to offer

this same variation to other customers.

One such builder is Stormcats on the

island of Islay in Scotland. This may

seem a bit of a trek just to go and see

a boat, but their reputation is such that

people are doing just that - and one of

the best sellers is the Monostorm. It

has been bought by people for use in

the very rough waters of Orkney and

Shetland, as well as by people from

as far afield as Cornwall. There is even

one in Norway, which is particularly

impressive, given that boat building

seems to be their national pastime.

The configuraTionThe Monostorm is available either as

a cuddy or as a full cabin boat. The

advantage of the cuddy is a larger

cockpit, while the cabin has more shelter

and creature comforts but still leaves a

useful cockpit from which to fish. As if

to prove the point, we actually caught

a tope from the cabin boat while out

on the test, before changing boats and

comparing the two types . . .

from the Stormcats lair on the west coast of Scotland comes another boat to bolster a burgeoning reputation.

Simon everett investigates the Stormcat Monostorm.

STORMCAT.indd 29 22/04/2010 11:05

SHOW REPORT

SOUTHAMPTON SPORTS BOAT AND RIB SHOW

With the much-anticipated return of the Sports Boat and RIB Show virtually upon us, Mike Pullen

investigates some of the key highlights.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Where is it all happening?

The host of the 2010 show, Ocean

Village Marina, is situated in the heart of

Southampton, within close proximity of the

city’s restaurants, bars and shops. There’s

also a great choice of of restaurants and

watering holes on site. The show is easily

accessible via road and rail with plentiful

on-site parking for visitors. The postcode for

your SAT NAV is SO14 3TG.

When is it all happening?

10am to 6pm, Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 May

How much does it cost?

Entry to the event is free of charge. Just

come along with the family and get involved

in what promises to be a tremendous

celebration of all that is good about boating.

For more information

Ocean Village Marina: 02380 229385

Email: enquiries@sportsboatandribshow.co.uk

www.sportsboatsandribshow.co.uk

FREEENTRY

22 - 23MAY

Of all the events in the

annual boating calendar,

the Sports Boat and RIB

Show is perhaps the most

enjoyable for real boating

enthusiasts. There are no untouchable

exhibits here. Nothing is ‘appointment only’ or

‘off-limits’. Instead, this is the one show where

everybody comes together to play with the

hardware and to enjoy all that is good about

boats. And happily, it has also now returned

to the venue where it all began. Having spent

a couple of years at Hamble Point, it is once

again to be hosted by the revamped Ocean

Village Marina - perhaps Southampton’s most

welcoming and sociable waterfront arena.

Humber’s new Leisure Pro range will be down on the water, waiting to prove to us all just how much recreational credibility the famous commercial boat manufacturer now has

Boat Mart I June 2010 I 35www.boatmart.co.uk Buy & sell for FREE with Boat Mart’s private classifi ed ad service

BM JUNE 10 SBSHOW.indd 35 22/04/2010 17:24

LIFESTYLE

RUMBLE IN THE JUMBLEDo it right and there can be no better way of spending an afternoon than a committed root through your local jumble. Alan J Burton reports . . .

40 I June 2010 I Boat Mart www.boatmart.co.ukPlease mention Boat Mart when replying to advertisements

The modern jumble is not as it once was . . .

In these austere times, and especially in the notoriously

expensive world of boating, it pays to shop around.

With an awful lot of items that are required for general

on-board comforts, there is often a high street alternative

to the chandlery that does not require a second mortgage

merely to cross the hallowed threshold. Nice though it is to

wander around your local chandlery, for the vast majority of

small boat owners, shopping in one is much akin to wandering

around Harrods. You will end up ooing and aahing your way

around, green eyed with envy that a mere mortal could afford

to actually buy these things. But in all probability you will come

out with the consolation purchase of the equivalent to the

Harrods Christmas teddy bear, just to prove that you’ve been

there and to avoid the ignominy of having to leave empty-

handed.

As thousands and thousands of boaters have discovered,

there is an alternative mode of shopping that is cheaper by a

country mile, much more fun and a very good excuse to get

out of the house for a few hours on a Sunday morning. What

better way to supplement your boat’s inventory, replace old

and worn out parts or buy new items at a fraction of their cost

in the chandlery, than to visit your local boat jumble.

My family doesn’t even wait for the jumble to come to us.

We now see a trip to the jumble on a Sunday morning as a bit

of an adventure, and if it happens to be 30 or 40 miles away,

so what? Make a day of it - stop for lunch on the way back

and pay for it out of the pounds you will undoubtedly have

saved on your bargain buys.

Better still, if you move even slightly out of your own area,

you will discover fresh products and different stallholders,

with items on display that are very probably of direct interest.

And even if on occasion, they are not what you are after, then

perhaps they will serve to stoke a few ideas and inspire a future

purchase.

BM JUNE 10 JUMBLE.indd 40 22/04/2010 10:04

BUYING ADVICE

46 I June 2010 I Boat Mart www.boatmart.co.ukPlease mention Boat Mart when replying to advertisements

WHAT WILL BUY YOU? £2K

SALTERS SKIFF

Salters still build hundreds of these absolutely delightful craft for

boating lakes all over the country, as well as for discerning private

users. With sleek, long, yet stable, hulls, Salters skiffs are extremely

pretty, easy running and very tough. They slip though the water

without effort, without noise and without disturbance to anybody,

which makes these boats capable of giving you a very traditional

form of boating pleasure.

You can still buy a GRP gunwale 14-foot Single Skiff for £1,795

or a 16-foot Double Skiff for a fiver under our budget. You can even

have an optional rudder or a transom for a small outboard or an

electric motor if you wish. Unfortunately you’ll have to save up a

further few hundred pounds to get a fully teak-trimmed version but

what the hell? It will probably see you expire first and the classic

look is worth every penny. So if you really enjoy leisurely time afloat

this is probably the way to go – all you need is a bottle of wine, a

lady friend with a parasol or a fly rod, and you’ve cracked it.

Incidentally, we tested a Salter 16 with a little Suzuki 2.2hp

outboard and were amazed to discover it would cruise at 8mph and

do more than nine miles on just a litre of fuel. That blows many of

today’s so-called performance designs into a cocked hat.

■ Salters

■ 01865 243421

■ www.salterssteamers.co.uk

Getting back to basics is always a salutary lesson - and one worth experiencing as it emphasises just how much fun can be had afloat without spending a fortune. We are so used to looking at the very latest boats and gizmos that we tend to forget popular classic boats that have been around for eons. Yet for many thousands of people, their first experience on water was at their local river or lake, when they hired a rowing boat for an hour or so. And there’s probably a 50/50 chance that the boat they used was a Salters skiff - either a 14-foot single oarsmam or 16-foot double oarsman - which brings me very nicely to my first boat entry at just £2,000 . . .

There’s a lot of joy to be had in a

simple Salters skiff

■ View the boat and make your offer

subject to survey.

■ Pay the deposit and receive a receipt

and signed Sale Agreement, agreeing

dates for completion.

■ Ask for proof of ownership before paying

out for a survey.

■ Request Confirmation of Recreational

Craft Directive Compliance or Exemption.

■ Instruct your surveyor and await

the report.

■ Negotiate on work to rectify material

defects and agree an adjusted price

if necessary.

■ Ask to see all equipment and gear not

currently on the boat but which is included

in the sale price before handing over the

balance payment.

■ Arrange your boat’s insurance before

handing over the balance due.

■ When you give the final payment, make

sure you receive a Bill of Sale, previous

Bills of Sale if possible, Certificate of

Registration or letters or statutory

declarations from previous owners

relinquishing further interest in the boat,

Builder’s Certificate, original receipted

VAT invoice and all other relevant

documentation.

For information on buying a used boat, check

out the RYA’s ‘Buying A Second Hand Yacht’.

KEY STEPS TO BUYING PRIVATELYOR YOU MIGHT WISH TO USE A BROKER

■ A broker will provide a sale and purchase agreement

■ Sort out all the finance

■ Advise what documentation is required

■ Negotiate between the parties

■ Provide a Bill of Sale and advise about registration

■ Provides the marketing and viewing of the boat

■ Help discussions with the surveyor

For more information about buying and selling a boat

see www.abya.co.uk or www.rya.org.uk. The ABYA

is the Association of Brokers & Yacht Agents and is a

good port of call for anyone buying or selling a boat.

BM JUNE 10 WCIB 2K.indd 46 22/04/2010 11:00

BUYING ADVICE

52 I June 2010 I Boat Mart www.boatmart.co.ukPlease mention Boat Mart when replying to advertisements

Get HitchedCAR TESTS � TOWING NEWS � NEW KIT & ACCESSORIES � BUYING ADVICE

NISSAN X-TRAILCompared with the first-generation X-Trail, the

latest range could be considered rather sparse.

We now have just three models - the entry-level

Acenta and the better-equipped Tekna models,

the latter available with a choice of two power

outputs. But it’s the Acenta (available only in

173bhp guise) that we have been particularly

keen to investigate. This cheapest X-Trail retails

at £23,445, placing it in direct competition with

the Outlanders, CR-Vs and Freelanders of this

world - so how does the Nissan fare against

the latest competition?

Well in terms of what you get for your money,

it does well. Standard equipment includes

17-inch alloys, climate control, electric windows

all round, an electric sunroof, cruise control,

a CD player and electric mirrors. And as you

would expect from a modern-day Nissan

off-roader, the latest X-Trail comes with the

company’s latest All-Mode 4x4-i set-up, which

operates in two-wheel drive during normal

on-road use, automatically switching to four-

wheel drive mode when loss of traction is

detected. Simply set the rotary knob to the

‘Auto’ setting and the X-Trail will take care of

everything for you. For those times when you’re

heading off-road, you can select the ‘Lock’

setting, initiating permanent all-wheel drive and

ensuring a 50/50 torque split front and rear.

And this is complemented by Downhill Drive

Support, restricting maximum speed to a 5mph

crawler pace when heading down a steep

incline in first gear.

All this sounds very impressive (and

genuinely is) but the X-Trail is no more

sophisticated than most of its main rivals in

terms of on board technology, despite featuring

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ABS and

traction control. And I have to say that the

X-Trail isn’t the most refined vehicle in its class

either. Its 2.0-litre direct-injection powerplant is

noisier than you would expect after driving, say,

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Are you planning to trail your boat

to your holiday destination this

summer? Quite often this can mean

several hours in the car, which

can be stressful for the driver and

passengers. However, there are

some handy things you can do to

ensure you have a safe and relaxing

journey to your chosen spot.

TAKE A BREAK - Drivers need a

break every two hours to prevent

fatigue setting in. This will also

give all the passengers a chance to

stretch their legs, grab a bite and

break the boredom.

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY - Children

tend to fi nd long journeys boring,

leading to potentially dangerous

distractions for the driver. It’s easy

to play a few games in the car. If

you want to splash the cash you can

even install mini DVD players in the

back. A fi lm is guaranteed to keep

them quiet for a few hours.

STOCK UP - Before you set off,

make sure you have food and drink

supplies, not only to keep everyone

fed and watered, but if you get

stuck in a jam, the stress won’t be

exacerbated by hungry stomachs.

BE PREPARED - Check that your

fi rst aid kit is up-to-date and

that you have all the necessary

emergency kit in the car. Take maps

for your destination and any offi cial

paperwork relating to your car and

your boat.

Finally, remember that you are

heading off on holiday. This is a time

to leave the stress behind . . .

TRAVEL ADVICE

CAR DEBUTS � BEST SELLERS � GREEN MATTERS � TRAVEL ADVICE

Paul GuinnessJane Rickard & David Webber

Price: £23,445

Engine: 2,000cc DI diesel

Max power: 173bhp

Max torque: 266lb.ft. @ 2,000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Drive: ‘All-mode’ four-wheel drive

Economy: 38.2mpg (combined)

CO2 rating: 198g/km

Max braked towing weight: 2,200kg

TECHY BIT

BM JUNE 10 HITCHED.indd 52 22/04/2010 10:02

EQUIPMENT

www.boatmart.co.ukPlease mention Boat Mart when replying to advertisements56 I June 2010 I Boat Mart

TOP GEARENGINE NEWS � KIT & ACCESSORIES � BOOK REVIEWS � BUYING ADVICE

HENRI’S MID-LAYERHenri Lloyd’s ‘Octane’ Windstopper range can be used not just as a mid layer but also as a top layer in favourable conditions. Designed with fabric partners W L Gore, the range is constructed using a three-layer design, which offers two different weights of the windproof, breathable, water-resistant fabric. This means that in high-movement areas such as under the arms, stretchy panels can be used to maximise flexibility. It’s well cut too, which means that not only is it practical but it also prevents you looking like a shapeless sack of spanners. The range consists of jacket, vest, trousers and shorts.■ Price: £150 (jacket)

■ www.henrilloyd.com

SNAP-HAPPYOverBoard, the official kit supplier to the RNLI, has launched the Waterproof Zoom Lens Camera Case. The 0.42mm matt TPU material case allows you to go down to a depth of 19 feet and still take pictures with your regular digital camera. The case is largely transparent so the photographer can see the subject clearly and it will also float safely to the surface should you drop it overboard or let go when diving. The ‘Slide Seal System’ is easy to use and provides reliable watertight protection and the TPU material is resistant to oil and grease (as well as water) and allows excellent flexibility. It’s even environmentally friendly to produce compared to regular PVC. Great value and top kit. ■ £19.99

■ 01932 500091

■ www.over-board.co.uk

has launched the Waterproof Zoom Lens Camera Case. The 0.42mm matt TPU material case allows you to go down to a depth of 19 feet and still take pictures with your regular digital camera. The case is largely transparent so the photographer can see

the surface should you drop it overboard or let go when diving. The ‘Slide Seal System’ is easy to use and provides reliable watertight protection and the TPU material is resistant to oil and grease (as well as water) and allows excellent flexibility. It’s even environmentally friendly to produce compared to

FLYING SEATHow do you fancy a seat on the bow that makes you feel like you’re flying? Well apparently, the Flying Seat started out as a stepladder that attached to the bow of a boat to make it safe and easy for people on the beach to get on and off. Then it was adapted as a seat to become two products in one. It fits on most boats, including bow-riders, and it is held on with suction cups and a ratchet strap that will carry as much as a thousand pounds in weight. The straps hook to the bow ring and, for safety and comfort, the seat has a seatbelt and a padded railing, much like the safety bar on roller coasters. Options include fishing pole holders, cup holders and tandem seats, so two people can sit together, as well as a joystick fly-by-wire control on the seat’s armrest that will even give you control of the boat. Simple and quick to fit, whether you want it for the thrill of the ride or for its practical application as a fishing accessory, it looks like a very ingenious leisure accessory indeed.■ Price: various

■ mike@flyingseats.com

■ www.flyingseats.com

BM JUNE 10 top gear.indd 56 22/04/2010 10:59

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ELECTRONICS MADE EASY

ELECTRONICSMADE EASY

with Colin Jones

Colin Jones has a passion for marine gadgets and electronics. You can guarantee if there’s a new development or new piece of kit, then Colin will be first in line to try it out and give his view. From profiles of the leading electronics companies and testing the newest releases to buying and using kit, every month Colin is on hand to share his knowledge and opinions.

MADE EASYwith Colin Jones

PROGRESS BEYOND REASON?Has modern progress taken us a function too far? Colin Jones unravels the modern chart plotter’s many complexities.

Boat Mart I June 2010 I 65Buy & sell for FREE with Boat Mart’s private classifi ed ad servicewww.boatmart.co.uk

Chart plotter progress is suffering

from the law of diminishing

returns. Manufacturers constantly

seek innovations to persuade us

to upgrade, or to ditch the old and buy the new,

but they are running out of room to manoeuvre.

The basic function of the CP is to convert paper

charts to an electronic version and to give a

dynamic interpretation of the boat’s present

position. In most cases, the navigator does not

need any more than this - and it remains the

CP ‘page’ we most commonly use.

Keep it simple is not a bad rule but

purely commercial considerations have

led manufacturers to add more and more

functions – radar overlay, 3D depth, AIS,

weather forecasts, wave height predictions and

photographs, to name but a few. The result is

that the CP is now a very complex instrument

and some are very confusing to use. The

problem is compounded because the leisure

boater uses the CP for just a few weekends per

year, plus an annual cruise when he wants to

play boats rather than spend time with his nose

buried in a huge user manual, often written by

a technician, assuming knowledge which we do

not have, rather than by a seaman, who knows

what we want to know.

What follows is my attempt to ease this

situation and to make suggestions for getting

the most out of the CPs, which have cost most

of us a big slice of the annual boat budget. �

The spontaneous info box is a fearsome irritation to the busy navigator

The all-singing, all-dancing chart plotter has become the explicit centrepiece of our helming experience

BM JUNE 10 ELECTRONICS.indd 65 22/04/2010 09:59

88 I June 2010 I Boat Mart www.boatmart.co.ukPlease mention Boat Mart when replying to advertisements

LIFESTYLE

ANGLING

TED TUCKERMAN: I bought my first boat in the mid 1950s with my friend, Gerald Smith. We used to fish together in the Solent. I then moved to Torquay in 1961 and, after obtaining my boatman’s licence, I bought a 36-foot harbour launch which was the first angling charter boat in Torquay. Since then, I have fished in a variety of boats all around the UK as well as around the world, from Sweden to New Zealand and North America to Mexico. I have also enjoyed beach launching many times into big swells in South Africa in my friend’s ski boat.

LIFESTYLE

ANGLING

TED TUCKERMAN: I bought my first boat in the mid 1950s with my friend, Gerald Smith. We used to fish together in the Solent. I then moved to Torquay in 1961 and, after obtaining my boatman’s licence, I bought a 36-foot harbour launch which was the first angling charter boat in Torquay. Since then, I have fished in a variety of boats all around the UK as well as around the world, from Sweden to New Zealand and North America to Mexico. I have also enjoyed beach launching many times into big swells in South Africa in my friend’s ski boat.

June is busting out all over,

according to the musical, and so

it is at sea. Fish are everywhere,

with bass at the top of the list for

the next few months - and that

brings me to a question raised by a reader

who wanted to know if he could float fish from

his boat for bass. Yes you can, I do it regularly.

Fishing with a float is one of the best

methods over reefs. It keeps the bait where

the fish are feeding, chasing small quarry or

waiting behind a rock to ambush any small fish

or morsel of food that drifts by on the tide. It

also prevents loss of tackle.

Standard tackle is all you need, a

rod, about nine feet (ten if you prefer)

with a fixed spool or small multiplier

loaded with line of 10lb or 12lb.

Any lighter and the floats will be difficult to

pull out when caught up. Live baits are best,

with sandeel top of the list, as well as launce

if you can get them, small pollack, pout and

prawn. Small mackerel and scad can also be

used and they make top bait for catching the

bigger fish.

To rig a sliding float (one that you can easily

see at a distance and one that is man enough

to support large fish baits), slip on a bead to

reduce the size of stop needed, followed by

the float, another bead and a ball weight large

enough to cock the float correctly.

Add another bead and finally

tie on a barrel swivel size

three or four with a trace of

about two-foot and a hook

from size 3/0 to 6/0. Don’t

forget to tie on a stop to set the bait at the

depth where you think the bass will be. Bass

have large mouths so I mostly use 5/0 or 6/0

hooks but 3/0 if using small sandeel. I like the

wide gape and sharp Sakuma hook.

FLOAT FISHING FOR BASSSteve Squires bags a brace

An imposter strikes the immortal ‘Ted Tuckerman’ pose

BM JUNE 10 ANGLING.indd 88 22/04/2010 09:30

ANGLING

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INSURANCE

Insurance for boats, unlike cars or

motorbikes, is not yet a legal requirement

in the UK. However there are ever

increasing circumstances where proof of

at least third party insurance is required

before you can launch. Many UK marinas,

harbours, waterways authorities and slipway

operators already make such demands, while

British Waterways, and more recently the

Boards Authority, make insurance a requirement

to boaters wishing to use their waters. Many

European countries can, and do, frequently

demand to see your insurance papers if towing

a boat in their jurisdiction.

With increasing financial pressures affecting

the vast majority of the population, most

families are naturally on the look out to make

savings - so it’s not surprising that insurance on

something that’s not used every day seems a

good place to make cuts. But in today’s world

of compensation litigation, and the very high

cost of boats and engines, is this really a risk

you’re prepared to take?

In this feature we aim to show you that by

carefully comparing insurance costs you may

well be able to save money and still remain

protected by insurance. But, before we do

that, we are going to answer a few pertinent

insurance questions with the help of Craftinsure.

The case for marine insurance

In an age when every penny counts, Stuart Field thinks spending good time and money on the right insurance deal is even more vital than ever . . .

You should get insured the

moment you buy your boat,

especially if you intend to tow it

home. In fact you can arrange

insurance up to 30 days before

you buy to save a last minute

panic. Bear in mind that insurance

policies are not transferable

so don’t rely on the previous

owner’s cover to get you home.

Importantly, most vehicle insurers

automatically cover boats that are

being towed on the road but there

may be limits, especially on the

length, so please check before you

tow your boat for the first time.

Before you set off for home with

your new purchase make sure the

trailer is up to the task. Dropping

your boat, or causing damage to

another vehicle, is not a good way

to start.

When ShoulD I get mY Boat InSureD?

BM JUNE 10 INSURANCE.indd 93 22/04/2010 10:03

PRACTICAL MONTHLY

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PRACTICAL MONTHLY

Money-saving trickssaving money is one of the essentials

of boat renovation but this should

never mean cutting corners. a regular

problem with older boats is leaking

windows and if the windows are

aluminium-framed, then removing them

from the boat for professional resealing

is a big and expensive job. However, it

is fairly straightforward to effectively

reseal these windows while still fitted.

the first step is to rake out as much

of the old sealant as possible to make

room for the new stuff. an old jigsaw

blade wrapped in cloth to protect the

hands is about the right thickness for

getting between the glass and frame.

With the sealant raked out to a

depth of about a quarter of an inch,

vacuum-clean the void to remove loose

residue. Failing that you can even

blow it out orally. to ensure the new

sealant sticks properly, clean the void

and surrounding glass, preferably with

methylated spirits, which leave no oily

residue.

Masking tape is then applied to the

glass, leaving about 2mm of glass clear

all round, between the tape and the

edge of the frame, to allow the sealant

to be bevelled and help water run-off.

Life-seal is ideal for this job, as its

adhesion to both glass and aluminium

is particularly good. it’s applied by

squeezing the tube to produce a

smooth bead of sealant ahead of the

nozzle as it is worked slowly along the

seam. the finished job should look as

good as new and may even last as long

as the original sealant.

The next few pages are packed with maintenance, upgrade, restoration and DIY news, plus tips and advice from David Webber, Peter Caplen and Jane Rickard. Let us know what projects you’re currently working on and we’ll do our best to help out.

GREEN BOATINGEASY WAYS TO BE GREEN n Use environmentally-friendly cleaning productsn Dispose of hazardous waste properlyn Spill-proof oil changes and refuelingn Minimise cleaning and maintenance in the watern Recycle your waste and take rubbish ashoren Use the right prop for your boat

green tiP oF tHe MontH

chart your course

WHy? it is estimated that globally more

than a million birds and 100,000 marine

mammals and turtles die every year from

entanglement or ingestion of plastics. Fish

and gulls often eat discarded cigarette

butts and rubbish like this can take a

surprisingly long time to degrade. a tin

can will survive 50 years under water,

while an aluminium can will last 80 to 100

years and glass bottles up to 1,000 years.

HoW: keep your rubbish onboard and

never throw cigarette butts, fishing line or

any other waste into the water. Prevent

plastic bags, drinks cans and loose items

from blowing overboard. remove excess

packaging and recycle it at home. take

advantage of shore-side facilities to

recycle plastic, glass, metal and paper.

Where possible, reduce waste. a simple

method is to refill and re-use water

bottles.

DiD you knoW? a survey of 42

harbour authorities reported that £26,100

is spent per year in some ports to clear

fouled propellers and remove debris from

the water.

our thanks to the green Blue for their help

with this tip.

restoration essentiaLsWhat to do, how to do it and the right equipment and materials to use.

The window sealant can be repaired without the

need to remove the glass

BM JUNE 10 PRAT MONTHLY.indd 107 22/04/2010 11:11

GETTING IT RIGHT

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PRACTICAL

GETTING IT RIGHT

WEaTHER oR NoT

➧

How we come to the decisions

regarding what we can and

can’t do with our boats is

really based on the weather

forecasts in the period

leading up to an intended

trip. You need to know how it will affect the sea

state on your chosen day and you need to be

able to assess the weather on the day itself

to determine how long the conditions will be

suitable for you, your crew and your boat.

Many people new to boating just consider

the weather on their chosen day - and that’s

really important but just looking at a single day’s

forecast in isolation only really gives a small

part of the picture. What has happened in the

period before can have far more impact on the

conditions. As an example, let us imagine that

you want to go boating in a 20-foot sports boat

from Torquay. It’s a lovely part of the coastline

and it sits in a large bay reasonably sheltered

from the prevailing south-westerly winds. Your

plan is to go to Dartmouth which is about an

hour’s cruise for a 20-knot boat. The outlook for

the day from the Met Office inshore forecast is

as in the sample box above and to the right.

Weather is a huge subject but, from a boater’s point of view, there are really only a couple of questions – can we go out and can we get back. Jon Mendez makes it simple.

Sample Report: Lyme Regis to Lands

End including Isles of Scilly

Issued by the Met Office at 0600 UTC

24-hour forecast:

Wind – Southwest 2/3

Weather – Mainly fair

Visibility – Moderate or good

Sea State – Rough decreasing moderate

In isolation, the information above

sounds pretty good - quite a gentle wind

for the journey out and then later for

the return you can expect to have the

wind behind you for a good downwind

passage. The clue that all is not as it

seems is in the Sea State line which is

given as ‘Rough decreasing moderate’.

When we look into it a little deeper we

find that the preceding three days have

experienced an Easterly 5/6, which has

allowed the sea and swell to get quite

big. This will have made the bay rough

and with a change of wind direction

today, the likelihood is that it will also

become quite confused. Although the

wind has calmed right down, the sea

will still be much more challenging than

today’s weather forecast would suggest.

In short then, if you set out on your

journey today with a passage based

solely on the day’s 24-hour forecast, you

would be in for a nasty shock. To go at

all would be ill advised.

In time, interpreting a weather chart can be great fun and very rewarding

BM JUNE 10 GETTING IT RIGHT.indd 117 22/04/2010 10:01