London International Boat Show 2010

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 21:32

I finally made it to ExCel today, almost a week later than planned. The industry is very clearly feeling the pinch this year and the show had a notably sparse feel about it with everything much more spread out than usual, but still covering a smaller area!

Ribcraft were there in force with half a dozen boats on a walk round stand:

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 21:35

Zodiac/Avon/Bombard had a big stand with some interesting new boats.

New look Medline
Pro Open 650

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 21:44

The new Sea Hawk 700, which is a design that Zodiac bought from French boat builder Poncin Yachts Group. It looks like it should make a very capable offshore cruiser, and according to the press release has a claimed fuel capacity of 1300 litres which would give it some range!

The upgraded N-ZO cabin RIB is also on the stand. Designed in collaboration with renowned Italian Designer Vittorio Garroni, it apparently "combines Zodiac's boat building expertise and Garroni's pure lines resulting in the most sophisticated craft to be produced from the Zodiac factory to date".

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 21:48

On the subject of strange cabin RIBs, Cobra have a 10.5 outboard RIB with a pair of bunks in what would normally be the engine bay!

They also have a 7.6 with beige gelcoat and maroon tubes which is a bit different too.

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 21:51

Newcomers Piranha RIBs have some very competitive starter deals. A 4.8 with Tohatsu 50 for £9,995 and their 5.8 with a 90hp Optimax for £15,950.

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 21:56

Old timers Barnet Marine were there with a law-and-order theme to their XS RIBs including a small one belonging to the Volunteer Police Cadets and a rather larger one from Humberside Police.

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 21:57

Selva had a very large stand, full of white things on a red background. Big RIBs, inflatables, and a whole array of engines.

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 22:01

Williams, well known for their very smart little Turbojet tenders, also had one of their larger 505 Turbojets on show. It comes with a 110hp Yanmar diesel and is good for about 35 knots.

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 22:05

Goldfish were also there, with a 36 P1 Supersport. Pure RIB porn

John Kennett · 14 January 2010, 22:10

Finally a couple of entries in the "not actually a RIB" section:

From New Zealand we have the Zego - if a RIB as the 4x4 of the sea, then this has to be the quad equivalent. Funny looking things, but fun and almost indestructible.

Or how about the smartkat? A high performance inflatable sailing catamaran for those with wafi tendencies.

Poly · 14 January 2010, 23:26

John - are the orange bits on the side of the Zego on the boat or some sort of support? if on the boat what p urpose do they serve?

Siochair · 15 January 2010, 01:33

Hi John, Thanks for the post, saves the bother of visiting myself. Re the Seahank 700 the 1300 litre fuel, I presume this is 1 x 300 litre tank. I can just imagine how much one would have to over-inflate the tubes to keep 1300 litres afloat.

John Kennett · 15 January 2010, 07:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

John - are the orange bits on the side of the Zego on the boat or some sort of support? if on the boat what p urpose do they serve?

They're part of the boat. I'm not sure if they are functional (fendering or spray deflectors possibly) or just go faster stripes. I'm going again tomorrow so I'll ask.

John Kennett · 15 January 2010, 07:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siochair

Re the Seahank 700 the 1300 litre fuel, I presume this is 1 x 300 litre tank. I can just imagine how much one would have to over-inflate the tubes to keep 1300 litres afloat.

You're right. Made me laugh when I read it though!

Cypman · 15 January 2010, 11:59

John
Great photos and review, I was also there yesterday and must agree that it lacked the atmosphere of previous shows (especially Earls Court?!!!). Nonetheless I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and the lack of numbers made it very easy to view the exhibits (selfish I know).
I got the feeling that whereas the Southampton show is on the up and up the London show may be struggling.

Nasher · 15 January 2010, 16:56

Myself and the smaller Nashers are off to the show tomorrow, looking forward to seeing the Zego.

Nasher.

PeterM · 15 January 2010, 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

On the subject of strange cabin RIBs, Cobra have a 10.5 outboard RIB with a pair of bunks in what would normally be the engine bay!

They also have a 7.6 with beige gelcoat and maroon tubes which is a bit different too.

Thats going to be like sleeping in a coffin ! Its differant I suppose - just dont try to sit up in bed !

And the N-Zo- one of the least inspiring RIBS I've ever driven .........

Steve_B · 15 January 2010, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

And the N-Zo- one of the least inspiring RIBS I've ever driven .........

And yet it has just won a Motor Boat Monthly award! They surely cannot have driven the same boat we did, with a not insignificant 225hp outboard on the back, it struggled and the massive beam restricted fast turns massively. A great idea though, too expensive

Will have another look at it tomorrow, when have a wander round

John Kennett · 16 January 2010, 14:40

I'm at the show again now and it's really busy! I guess that there are a lot of people here today who may have postponed from last weekend because of the weather.

Whatever the reason, it's good to see it crowded!

Knot Yet · 16 January 2010, 17:06

That's good to know John - we are popping up tomorrow for a few hours - hope to find a few bargains just not sure what I want yet