Southampton Boat Show 2010

John Kennett · 10 September 2010, 23:26

Had a good day at the boat show. It turned out to be rather expensive as I accidently bought a Torqeedo electric outboard. More on that in a few weeks when I get the chance to use it.

The show was good, with a good number of new boats on show, as well as some more familiar sightings. As usual, here's a selection of some of the things to look out for.

First up, star of the show, the new Scorpion Strike was unveiled after a brief introduction by Patrick Byrne.

John Kennett · 10 September 2010, 23:31

Based on the exisitng 8.5 meter hull, this now runs to 9m with the new transom design. This was developed in collaboration with the Greek Scorpion distributor, and is an idea that's quite established in Greek RIBs. Scorpion are claiming excellent handling and improved hull efficiency.

The baby blue GRP was a bold decision, but it works suprisingly well. The photos really don't do it justice. Priced at £80,000 with the 300hp Verado and a pair of Ullman seats as standard, it's not cheap, but possibly not as expensive as people might expect.

John Kennett · 10 September 2010, 23:33

The other Scorpions looked great too in their striking colour schemes.

John Kennett · 10 September 2010, 23:37

Still at the decidedly aspirational end of the market were the new boats from Goldfish. Not as svelte as the Scorpions but beautifully engineered, the 29 RIB tender was looking as purposeful as ever.

Polwart · 10 September 2010, 23:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

The baby blue GRP was a bold decision, but it works suprisingly well. The photos really don't do it justice. Priced at £80,000 with the 300hp Verado and a pair of Ullman seats as standard, it's not cheap, but possibly not as expensive as people might expect.

I used to own a Fiat Panda that colour - it cost £300... and you'll not be surprised to hear that price rather than colour was the influence in that buying decision. Mind you, it could have done with some Ullman seats.

John Kennett · 10 September 2010, 23:38

Not a RIB, but the new 23 Tender was pretty smart too. The attention to detail on these boats is obvious, with sculpted lifting points and seat covers by Helly Hansen!

John Kennett · 10 September 2010, 23:41

Mike Ring was there with a Ring 900 "super rib" and a good supply of cakes.

Plancraft, another well known British sportsboat manufacturer, were there with a new range of RIBs too.

John Kennett · 10 September 2010, 23:45

Ribeye were out in force, with some very nicely finished boats. Attention to detail wasn't quite as good on the Ribtecs though, with some dodgy masking on the non slip and a nasty inspection hatch in the deck.

John Kennett · 10 September 2010, 23:47

Redbay had their warry looking boats from previous shows, but also had a very leisure-styled version on the MRL stand tucked between a pair of Stinghers (I didn't seem to get a picture of that one, but I'm sure someone else will fill in the gaps!)