With METS reporting an increase in the number of UK exhibitors of 227% compared to 2017, anecdotal evidence that boot Düsseldorf is experiencing an increase of over 30% year on year, UK regional boat shows popping-up and boats at caravan shows, what exactly is happening in our British industry ? Alice Driscoll unpicks the results of our latest MIN survey.

Asking the marine industry for its views about boat shows is a little bit like asking a parent who their favourite child is. It’s an impossible question to answer, and everyone has an opinion. What is evident is that marine businesses judge the effectiveness of a show in terms of their own specific needs, and how the audience at each show meets those needs. As such, the theme of quality of attendee cuts a deep path through the data.

A third of the marine industry surveyed has exhibited at regional retail shows in the past 12 months, including marine specific events – Crick Boat Show Northamptonshire, Brundall Boat Show Norfolk, South Coast Boat Show and British Motor Yacht Show to name a few – as well as non-marine specific shows including Goodwood Festival of Speed, Caravan Shows, Game Fair and county shows. While over 65% exhibited at Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS), around 20% exhibited at Seawork and 17% at the RYA Dinghy Show. Plus, over 55% of respondents exhibited overseas in the past 12 months.

Quality of attendees: UK
When it comes to choosing where to exhibit with so many options available, the quality of attendees (36%) is far more important than the quantity (3%).

“Footfall is important, but the promise of high footfall doesn’t always bring in the right people,” says Ian Patience of Sail and Powerboat Training. “Often visitors are more interested in just looking at boats and are not actually going to go boating.”

This is underpinned by Andy Ash-Vie from Harken, who says: “The RYA Dinghy show is fantastic because of the sheer enthusiasm of the visitors. They are fully engaged and it is a celebration of the sport first, then the business follows. Also, it’s quick and low cost so getting a return on investment is easy to define.”

“The number of visitors is not important, it is the number of sales and qualified leads which really counts,” says one respondent.

“Make them about selling boats,” pleads another, “not footfall and a ‘waterside event’. This becomes an experience/family fun day out – exhibitors aren’t there to entertain the masses.”

So what are the advantages of exhibiting in the UK ?
Aside from sales, there’s no surprise that the most important advantages to exhibiting in the UK are meeting customers: potential (59%), new (47%), and existing (46%).

Building brand awareness is also cited as key (46%), which, considering the UK shows are predominately retail events, was understandably more than twice as important as connecting with the industry (21%). Only 10% of respondents are checking out the competition, while 0% consider finding new suppliers an advantage of exhibiting in the UK.

But where are the sales made at UK shows ?
SIBS topped the bill with nearly 50% stating it achieved the greatest level of sales for the business.

“It attracts good quality clients and gives me the opportunity to connect with other marine companies where further opportunities can be realised,” says one respondent.

That said, 13% of businesses are achieving the greatest level of sales at other shows, like Crick – Northamptonshire, Brundall – Norfolk and Goodwood.

“Crick Boat Show,” says one respondent, offers the “best ROI. [It’s] a four day show with high quality attendees.”

Turn it around
New patterns and challenges are emerging. For example, Nic Parton of Triangle Berth Brokers is already looking at alternative ways of making shows work for him. “We visit more shows than we exhibit at, for example Poole Harbour, METS, Palma Superyacht Show, Seawork and the South Coast Boat show – we make it work for us as a visitor rather than exhibiting, mainly due to cost and time.”

Overseas shows
55% of respondents exhibited overseas in the last 12 months. METS was the most popular exhibition (37% exhibited), followed by boot Düsseldorf (29%), with Cannes and Paris equal in fourth place, followed by Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Dubai. METS also achieved the greatest level of sales overseas for 28% of all respondents.

Customer focused
Aside from sales, like the UK, the three most important advantages for exhibiting overseas were meeting customers: potential (42%), new (37%) and existing (25%). Building brand awareness ranked highly as an advantage (24%), followed by connecting with the industry (18%) and finding new suppliers (6%).

Expense of attending overseas
Interestingly exhibiting at an international event was not necessarily considered to be more expensive than exhibiting at a UK event.

“They make it affordable for small companies,” says Ian Patience of Sail and Powerboat Training who’s exhibited in the UK and at boot Düsseldorf.

“The whole experience at Düsseldorf was totally different,” Ian says. “They make an effort to provide an affordable space, no matter what size company you are. It had very different feel about it. Even the companies exhibiting there were more friendly, they wanted to make contact with you. It is run very professionally.”

Learning from regional shows overseas
Many respondents commented that they exhibit at, or attend, smaller regional retail shows overseas to meet with their manufacturers, dealers and distributors. This gives them a broader experience of what creates effective consumer shows in other countries.

“Seattle and San Francisco both have excellent seminar programs which pull in the real sailors,” says John Curry of Hydrovane. “London was, and Southampton is, awful in that respect. The smallest show ‘Sail Pacific’ in Richmond, California is just as good as the biggest because of the quality of the customers.

“Compare Annapolis’ United States Sailboat Show to Southampton,” John continues. “Annapolis is by far the most fun and gets the best visitors. [There are] practically no big booths. It is jam packed, but they don’t let the big guys dominate. That is what kills shows – big booths hogging the space and squeezing out the little guys.”

How marine companies decide where to exhibit
Quality of attendees is the most important factor considered when deciding where to exhibit (36%), followed by potential sales (28%) and cost of exhibiting (22%). Location (3%), venue (1%) and numbers attending (3%) are hardly worth a mention, but it’s clear that British companies rely heavily on British exhibitions.

“Our market is wholly the UK and not overseas,” says Sue Pierpoint of Flexisail. “Now that the London Boat Show no longer exists it is even more important to keep the Southampton show. It would be disastrous for our business if this no longer existed. We pick up a lot of members at the show and at our two post-show open days in October.”

A show needs to be affordable. “Venue cost is one thing,” says one respondent, “but transporting staff and keeping them over in hotels, B&Bs, etc., is another large overhead not normally considered by the organisers.”

And the best in show is . . . . .
. . . . . . .   like that favourite child, hard to decide.

For some it’s METS, being “appropriate to my business: contacts, networking, wide range of exhibitors, truly international, not parochial, and easy to reach” and “short and sweet, very focussed show over a short period”.

For others, boot Düsseldorf, because “it is easily accessed and is great value of money in every respect from stand space to hotels and food. We always sell boats there and hardly ever at Southampton”.

Others prefer Seawork, as the format’s “a three-day B2B show with everyone focused on business” and “a short show with qualified attendees and the prospect of follow on commercial sales”.

And for others, SIBS tops the bill: “It’s brilliant for sales, networking and brand awareness. Quality of customers is excellent. Southampton is well positioned to attract customers from all over the UK and Europe.”

So is there a future for British Boat Shows ?
78% of marine industry respondents state they will exhibit at UK shows in the next twelve months, 41% in Europe and 15% worldwide. And, although 13% of respondents are not intending to exhibit in the next 12 months (adding a further 3% to those who didn’t exhibit in the last 12 months), for now, the marine sector agrees that ‘yes’, there’s a future, especially for those who only sell in UK markets. And, there are calls for shows in other regional locations.

But there are plenty of caveats.

If, rather than just surviving, British boat shows are to thrive with exhibitors, it’s clear the shows need to attract top quality visitors, the majority of whom fall into the ‘customer’ bracket, instead of looking at numbers through the door.

As well as having engaging and informative sessions (like in-depth seminars) to pull-in those quality visitors, shows can look and learn from successful offerings overseas, especially if, as Ian Cooke, President-elect of British Marine Federation and Director at C-Quip, alludes to, change is coming.

“As the marine industry acknowledges changes in water sports participation, it is vital to our future success that we reflect that change in our presentation to boaters,” Ian says. “It is equally vital to ensure that boat shows are relevant in today’s market”

Source:   Marine Industry News

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

EMS received instructions in late 2019 from an International Hire Fleet Operator to undertake ‘walk through inspections’ of some 112 charter / hire craft based in Germany, Holland, Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.

The selected charter vessels being both ashore and afloat and covered all models and construction designs – aft cockpit, centre cockpit in both GRP and steel

We had specific inspection criteria governing the areas of reporting to include such as the hull & superstructure, internal presentation & condition, engine & engineering services, heating & lighting, windows & deck gear etc

To meet very tight time schedules and targets to complete the entire exercise in some three weeks. EMS had three surveyors undertaking the inspections, which project we managed to complete in some 13 working days averaging 8 vessels per day 

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. 

     Marine Surveyors & Consultants | ADR Mediation  |  Expert Witness 
www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: (44) 01603 327 123

Earlier this year EMS undertook a pre-purchase survey, valuation and engine oil analysis – of the above classic Herbert Woods 36 and we felt that a ‘potted history’ would be of interest to our readers 

Hull:                    Carvel – Pitch Pine on Oak timbers
                            Planking fastened with copper nails and roves

Keel:                    Central hardwood laminated keel with lead ballast

Propulsion:        Perkins P4 Diesel

HISTORY OF ‘SPARK OF LIGHT’:     In 2011 Herbert Woods boatyard managed to buy the former Norfolk Broads hire boat Registration no.’B53′ which is now believed to be the oldest of the Norfolk Broads cruisers built at Herbert Woods in Potter Heigham that is still afloat and in use. This is, to the best of our knowledge and belief, the history of this important piece of Norfolk Broads boating heritage.                                                                         B53 ‘Spark of Light’ was built by Herbert Woods himself in 1927 in a boatshed just upstream from Potter Heigham Bridge.

Very little is known of her early years, however we do have some idea of what she looked like as she features in “Boating on the Norfolk Broads in the 1930’s” a DVD produced by Broadland Memories which shows a family’s 16mm home cine film of their Norfolk Broads boating holiday on ‘Spark of Light’ in 1932. Notice there is no windscreen or wheelhouse, just a solid folding roof with canvas screens to all four sides.                                              At some point before April 1934 the boat’s name was changed to ‘Spot of Light’. We are not sure why, however believe that at some point there may have been a small fire in the galley and Mr Herbert Woods, believing the name ‘Spark of Light’ to be tempting fate, decided to change it to ‘Spot of Light’.

‘Spot of Light’ along with the rest of the Herbert Woods fleet played an important part in the areas war effort. The fleet was moored on Hickling Broad, rafted together and covered with a tarpaulin to prevent German flying boats from landing. By the end of the war the fleet was in a sorry state, with many of the boats riddled with bullet holes where they had been attacked by fighter planes. So, Herbert Woods began a programme of rebuilding the fleet. During this time, we know that ‘Spot of Light’ had a new transom fitted of beautifully figured Cuban mahogany.  It seems ’Spot’ underwent a further name change in 1947 this time to ‘Shimmer of Light’. It is assumed that this occurred when the boat was recommissioned post war as this is how she features in the 1947 Blake’s holiday brochure.

‘Blakes Catalogue’ 1950’s
In 1951 ‘Shimmer of Light’ was fitted with Herbert Woods newly patented ‘Broads Haven’ Retractable Wheel House. This became a unique feature of all Herbert Woods ‘Light Cruisers’.
Sadly in 1954 Mr Herbert Woods died and Mr Lindsay Cutler took over as chairman of the company. Taking a liking to ‘Shimmer of Light’ Mr Cutler removed her from the fleet and registered her as his own private boat in 1955.
Under Mr Cutler’s ownership ‘Spark of Light’ underwent significant refurbishment. She was painted overall in white, had a new diesel engine fitted, the wheelhouse was fixed so it was no longer retractable, two auxiliary fuel tanks were added to increase her range, davits were fitted to the aft deck so that she could take an outboard dinghy and a ‘Dolphin’ ship-to-shore radio that was installed in the saloon. Internally the boat was refitted with new galley appliances, including a fridge. The saloon berths were made to fold up against the sides of the hull and individual armchairs put aboard. Items like the gate leg table were replaced with a new mahogany one.

‘Thurne Dyke’ 2005
‘Shimmer of Light’ was relocated to Broads Edge Marina in Stalham, it was here in 2011 that she was noticed by Waterside Marine Sales, now part of Herbert Woods. It was clear that she was not being regularly used and, realising the unique opportunity of acquiring the oldest Herbert Woods hire boat afloat, the Partners set out to acquire her. An offer was made to Mr Edwards which was accepted and the boat was returned to Herbert Woods. The boat was immediately renamed ‘Spark of Light’ and a programme of restoration began.

‘Arriving back at Herbert Woods’ 2011                                                         Since 2011 ‘Spark of Light’ has been used as a promotional tool for the company and has featured in numerous magazines including Practical Boat Owner and Classic Boat Magazine. In 2014, she was showcased at Herbert Woods’ Heritage Day attended by HRH Princess Anne. ‘Spark of Light’ was also the star attraction at the Herbert Woods 90th Anniversary Fete and Water Frolic in 2016.

Acknowledgement Herbert Woods Ltd, Potter Heigham

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. 

     Marine Surveyors & Consultants | ADR Mediation  |  Expert Witness 
www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: (44) 01603 327 123

Good afternoon Will,

Many thanks for your report and feedback. It all appears to be quite clear enough for me to contact Sam at N Y A and continue with an offer on this boat. I have to visit my bank tomorrow morning so I will take your payment details with me and settle the account in full then.

As mentioned during our meeting would you please send me a copy of the current safety certificate.

May I add that I was extremely impressed with the service I have received in this matter, you personally, showed lots of patience and understanding in carrying out your survey whilst being ‘watched’ and followed around the  boat by a complete novice to boating. Had the roles been reversed I think either you or I would have finished up in the river.

Whilst I do not know of anybody in the Norfolk area seeking a similar survey at present, I will have no hesitation in recommending your company’s services in the future.

With kind regards

I H

As meteorologists warn an ‘El Nino’ event is likely to cause widespread snow events and ice storms from early December onwards, European Marine Services is calling for boat owners to prepare for winter weather.

‘El Nino’ occurs when the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean is warmer than average, prompting floods in tropical areas and colder winters in the UK.

Heavy rain, flooding, winds, ice and snow can all cause problems for vessels: they could be swept away, blown off course, take on water, sink or suffer a hull breach.  And with nearly one in three of call-outs is due to a lack of general maintenance, we fear ‘neglected’ boats will be put at risk.

Some simple precautions, however, can reduce the likelihood of winter damage.  When a weather event does strike, it’s time to get into a routine of visiting the boat regularly and undertake the following;

• Check the batteries are fully charged, with a bilge pump in continuous operation even a fully charged battery will only last a few days.
• Check bilge pumps are fully operational and left on ‘automatic’ setting.
• If there’s no bilge pump or only a manual one is fitted, install an automatic bilge pump – and don’t be complacent; just because it automatically operates, it still needs checking (it relies on battery power so unless the boat’s shore powered, there isn’t an unlimited supply).
• Check drain holes and clear debris – keeping these clear will stop water running into the engine room.
• Check ropes and anchoring points, if the mooring’s at risk of flooding, run a rope to locations that can still be accessed even in a flood situation.
• In windy conditions, check ropes for chafing and ensure they are well positioned and adjusted to the conditions.
• Before moving a boat in ice consider the importance of your journey – it’s easy to believe you’re impregnable when surrounded by steel but even a couple of inches of ice can pierce a hull.
• Check river conditions, and again consider whether the journey is really necessary; river conditions can change quickly and easily catch you unaware. Get updates from the Environment Agency.
• Check the wind direction before manoeuvring. When coupled with difficult river conditions, the windage of a boat can be easily underestimated and your vessel will become uncontrollable.

“If your vessel’s caught in a situation, don’t attempt to recover it without assistance. Severe weather conditions increase the risk to boat owners and simple tasks can easily result in accidents and injury.”

Acknowledgement to Marine Industry News – [email protected].

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
Tel: 01603 327 123  

 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

In the slings awaiting Pre Purchase Survey at Norfolk Boat Sales Brundall Marina

We recently carried out a Pre Purchase Inspection on this Ocean 37 c 1978 fitted with a pair of Perkins HT6.354 diesel engines on conventional drive propulsion.

The styling and layout is very much a trademark of the Aquafibre / Broom Boats amalgamation back in the 70’s & 80’s. With easy stern access from the flybridge, nice wide decks all round and very comfortable accommodation. Getting on for 40 years old they are still a very popular and sought after vessel and make a reasonably comfortable sea boat.

This Ocean 37 is well built and despite her age and being currently moored in fresh water exhibited no visible signs of osmosis, though it is thought she may well have had an osmosis treatment at some point in her lifetime. 

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is well presented. Entering the vessel from the stern you step down into a well laid out saloon / living area which also makes into a double berth. From here you can then step down into the galley, aft or forward double cabins. Both cabins have their own WC and shower. The whole accommodation area is both light and airy with good visibility.

The decks are nice and wide and you feel very safe with her having stanchions and rails around the outer edge of the decks.

Upper helm steering position

With a reputation as immensely sea-worthy and bringing together all the key layout features that have characterised Brooms boats ever since, the Ocean 37 can fairly be said to be the grandmother of “Aft Cabin motor cruisers ”

Twin v-berths in the forward cabin and two singles in the aft cabin provide permanent berths for four, whilst the settee in the saloon converts to another double berth. All boats feature interior and exterior helms and have sliding doors on both sides of the saloon giving access to the side decks.

Power is provided by twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels.

This was a very well presented vessel which over the past 40 years had been reasonably well maintained.

On this Ocean 37, the following items required attention:

Windows:                                             Improved maintenance.

Seacock Valves:                                   Servicing & 2x J-clips fitting.

Fuel System Installation:                  Improve access to fuel tanks, filler and vent pipes.

Bilge Pump:                                        Confirm operation of the Bilge Pump.

Batteries & Battery Boxes:              Secure the batteries within their compartments.

Fire & Safety:                                     General maintenance plus install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
Tel: 01603 327 123  

 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Sabre 27 yacht sitting on twin bilge keels ready for inspection, we had to navigate around the tidal pools of water

EMS undertake Insurance and Pre Purchase Surveys Any Where at Any Time and as per our motto we have recently undertaken a Survey for Insurance Purposes on a small sloop rigged yacht in Wells Harbour, North Norfolk

Very pleasant view of Wells harbour and the 1904 granary 

However, to reach the yacht which was beached on a sand bar across from the harbour wall, entailed wading across the river – fortunately on a bright and warm Autumn day and at low tide, and walking across sand / dunes to reach the vessel – being berthed on its own twin bilge keels at low tide.

On this Sabre 27  Sloop Rigged Yacht the following items required attention:

As surveyors (not sail-makers or riggers) we are unable to provide a written report or qualified opinion of standing / running rigging, sails, mast and spars, associated equipment, winches and fittings etc. We do however provide an opinion of all rigging / equipment seen at deck level

The gas installation was found to not conform to current regulations, consequently such as the stove recommended removal the unit being considered unsafe

A catalytic heater was fitted and these heaters are also not recommended

• Seacock Valves / Skin Fittings                     Require new J clips
• Fuel System                                                    Improve access to tank, filler & vent connections
• Batteries                                                          Battery isolation switch labels and new terminal connectors
• Fire & Safety                                                   Fire Extinguishers out of date 
• LPG System                                                    As above
• Rigging                                                            Replace running rigging

Wells Harbour – History

There has been a port at Wells for over 600 years. The harbour is protected by salt marshes behind a sand bar. Because it is a natural safe haven from the unpredictable North Sea weather the Port of Wells was one of England’s major harbours in Tudor times and a thriving, centre for shipping and maritime industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its greatest period of prosperity was probably from 1830 to 1860. The stone quay side was constructed in 1845 following an Act of Parliament the previous year. The coming of the railway in 1857 marked the beginning of decline though there was a resurgence from 1960 to 1989 when coasters bringing fertilizer and animal feed came in some numbers. The Granary with its distinctive gantry was built around 1904;^[3] it has now been turned into apartments. The gantry allowed grain to be transferred between the building and ships without disrupting road traffic. The railway closed in 1964 and in 1976, the Wells Harbour Railway was constructed to link the town with the beach

Wells salt marshes

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

#2  For all you America’s Cup Fans (include us) we are ‘blogging’ updates in advance of 2021  

© Sailing Energy/GC32 Racing To

Ben Ainslie and INEOS TEAM UK want to win the America’s Cup – Britain has never won the Auld Mug despite hosting the first Cup in 1851. In fact the famous nautical nation has failed to win in 21 separate challenges over the intervening 167 years.

The six new models Princess Yachts plans to launch in the second half of 2018

Plymouth’s luxury boat maker Princess Yachts has sailed back into the list of the UK’s biggest mid-market companies after making an £11million profit.

The Stonehouse-headquartered company fell out of the list in 2015 after suffering a slump in sales, but during the past two years it has reversed its fortunes and is steaming ahead again.

The company has docked at an impressive number 87 in the 14th annual Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table, which ranks Britain’s private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales.

The boat-builder has leapfrogged St Austell Brewery, which has four Plymouth pubs, as well as a Barbican coffee outlet, which is at number 173, up two places, with profits of £13million and sales of £169million.

But because the list is focused on sales it means Princess Yachts, with £274million in sales in 2017, a jump of 26.6 per cent, is higher in the chart.

The company, which now employs close to 3,000 people at sites around Plymouth, now has an order book of £750million.

It is a huge turnaround for the firm which a year earlier had made a £7million loss.

After a stellar year the firm is now enjoying its highest sales figures in its 53-year history.

It continues a trend of strong year-on-year growth for the L Catterton-owned luxury yacht builder.

Princess’ recent performance at the industry’s biggest global sales events – the Cannes, Fort Lauderdale, Southampton and Düsseldorf boat shows – saw the company power ahead across its entire fleet.

It is now predicting profits could reach £30million for 2018 and it launching even more designs.

A spokesman said: “We have launched seven new yachts already in 2018, and announced three more new yachts that will arrive over the next three months.

“During 2019 and 2020, we will launch a total of (new design) 15 yachts.”

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

Peter Jeckells, left, chairman, and his son, Andrew, managing director of Jeckells and Son the upholsterers, on their stand at the London Boat Show 2018. The company exhibited for the first time at TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show

A Norfolk supplier of upholstery to the marine industry has celebrated a successful first appearance at the country’s biggest boat show.

Jeckells and Son signed up to attend TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show for the first time following the cancellation of the 2019 London Boat Show.

The cover-maker and upholsterer, based in Wroxham, said it had an “excellent response” to its appearance with many enquiries for its products.

Directors Peter and Andrew Jeckells, both of whom attended the show earlier this month, said that they received significant interest in the company’s latest ranges of upholstery fabrics.

They said: “We are delighted to declare our attendance there a wholehearted success and we look forward to attending again in 2019.”

Following its success at Southampton the firm said it will now visit the marinas of the South Coast, in extension to its existing areas.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123