Southampton Boat Show 2013

[John Kennett]

On the way in to the show is the dinghy park, or arena, which usually has little to interest us unless we harbour closet sailing tendencies. This year was no exception really, except there were no less than three different designs of inflatable sailing boats.

And Portabote with a lifejacket on...

It isn't going to win any style awards but if it's your sort of thing then the fact that it's about half the weight of a comparable RIB might be handy. The tubes are made from something called Lexatron which is claimed to be much tougher than Hypalon or PVC.

[John Kennett]

Rather easier on the eye are these French-made folding boats. Produced by Nautiraid, better known for their canoes and kayaks, the Coracle range have steamed ash frames and a hypalon skin with inflatable side chambers for additional bouyancy. They can be rowed, motored, or even sailed. I don't know what I'd use it for, but I'd like one!

[John Kennett]

DinghyGo is a true sailing inflatable, with a deep floor that supports a dagger board and a simple Optimist-style rig.

[John Kennett]

Finally we have the TIWAL 3.2 sailing dinghy which uses a drop stitch construction (similar to a high pressure air deck on a SIB or inflatable SUP) to form a lightweight planing hull. The sailing rig is simple to set up and I reckon that with a bit of practice and a decent pump the manufacturers estimate of 20 minutes assembly time should be about right.

This is one of those boats that just looks right, and should be a lot of fun. You can't row it or use a moter, and you're going to get very wet, so it's not an all rounder. At around £5k I think it's likely to only ever be a niche product, but would be great to have as another toy.

[Ralphy]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

My favourite quote of the day came from someone looking at the 600hp Technohull RIB. "But what would you do with it?" was the question. Presumably the answer would be "Go very fast and smile a lot!"

I can confirm that answer, Giddyup kindly allowed me to join him onboard for the McMillan IOW cruise. We were going very fast and I'm fairly certain I smiled the whole way round. I believe we got to 65 knots before slowing down to wait for the others.

Thanks for the great photos. I might pop over before it finishes it, looks worth it.

[solent spence]

Anyone going tomorrow?

[Poly]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

made from something called Lexatron which is claimed to be much tougher than Hypalon or PVC.

Lexatron is a brand of Polyurethane more commonly found on White Water Rafts.

Originally Posted by John Kennett

DinghyGo is a true sailing inflatable, with a deep floor that supports a dagger board and a simple Optimist-style rig.

Tut tut, your oppie knowledge has shown a weakness. Oppies have a Sprit sail with a centre-sheeted partially battened main. This appears to be an aft main, fully battened sail with no sprit. Oh - you meant stupid looking - fair enough!

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Finally we have the TIWAL 3.2 sailing dinghy ... ... At around £5k I think it's likely to only ever be a niche product, but would be great to have as another toy.

An expensive compromise toy? You'd need quite specific criteria to end up with that as your ideal dinghy...

[Boatnomad]

The Avon 330 is a real eye-opener,how times have changed........................
Great selection as ever,thanks.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Poly

Lexatron is a brand of Polyurethane more commonly found on White Water Rafts.
..

Ah, you could be wrong there Poly. I think you'll find that the 'Lexatron of Love' was a top selling album by the 80's band ABC :-)

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Poly

Lexatron is a brand of Polyurethane more commonly found on White Water Rafts.

Indeed. It's also everything-proof apparently!

Tut tut, your oppie knowledge has shown a weakness.

Thank you. I'll definitely take that as a compliment

An expensive compromise toy? You'd need quite specific criteria to end up with that as your ideal dinghy...

Yep. Criteria like having enough money to say "I like that and I think I'll have one to go with all my other dinghies"

[Boats&Outboards]

Where were the Brigs ? I see the bus but no Ribs ?

www.BoatsandOutboards4Sale.co.uk

[whisper]

Looks like we will be there this Sat. Really looking forward to it

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

Where were the Brigs ? I see the bus but no Ribs ?]

Can't say I noticed any. Bit tired of them spamming the forums to be honest, so wasn't looking very hard

[bliksem]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Andre was there with his new Parker demonstrator RIB and a selection of their fishing boats and weekenders. He also has the best coffee at the show if you can wangle your way into their hospitality caravan!

Thank you a lot for those who posted pics of SBS, bcoz living in Belgium i am not able to attend this year. The Parker looks stunning in his ruby red jacket....
i guess also a fantastic rib to drive.....
Then the rib of Bembridge Marine; also stunning in the right fancy colors and i hope they put a 200hp on the back instead of the 150!!!!
great ribs: I LIKE THE BRITTISH RIBS
btw i own a RIBQUEST.....also greeeeaaaatttt

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

Where were the Brigs ? I see the bus but no Ribs ?

BoatsandOutboards4Sale | Hand-picked boats & motors, fully tested, delivered nationwide.

They probably paid someone to park one in the car park rather than exhibit properly. Apparently innocent 'ringers' would walk past and rave about it too whilst pocketing their cash for promoting it!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Ballistic however appear to be sticking to their "one colour suits all" range with an fleet of almost identical different sized boats.

Bit of a shame that-I think they could probably do with a bit of a makeover, or at least some variation in colours.

[Gilles]

nice pics thanks !!!

[Portholme]

Great work John, thanks for taking the effort to put all your photos and comments up.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

or at least some variation in colours.

All on the one seat.

[Shaz]

Not to be tight but... is £11 still cheapest for a ticket or does anyone have any cheeky blags ?

Thanks !