This feature is designed to bring you up to date with the changes to the various product portfolios on offer from the UK's distributors. It seems distribution is a growing market sector and this year's feature is a lot bigger than last year's. We have tried to get details from every distributor on our database, but some didn't reply in time, so may not appear here.

Advance Yacht Systems is a brand new distributor working out of Saxon Wharf and set up by Rod Boreham - ex-Fischer Panda - and Caroline Oldham.

The company is already handling Paguro Generators manufactured by Volpi Tecno Energia of Italy. The range starts with the Farymannpowered Compact 3000 3kVA model and goes up to the Lombardini powered 21kVA unit featuring Full Overhead Control System.

Dessalator Watermakers from France are new to the UK.

Dessalator was established over 30 years ago and its watermakers have been the factory fitted option on Beneteau and Amel yachts for many years.

Mermaid Marine Air Conditioning from the USA - also new to the UK - offers a range that includes compact, selfcontained air conditioning units from 4,300 - 16,500 BTU, a compact dehumidifier and a small self-contained icemaker capable of 10kg a day; all in stainless steel.

Exit Engineering manufactures carbon fibre deck gear including passarelles, spinnaker poles and a DAME-nominated steering wheel.

Advance Yacht Systems T: 023 8033 7722. F: 023 8033 7622 E: info@advanceyacht.co.uk W: advanceyacht.co.uk Aqua Marine has added six new ranges for 2005 so far.

These include the Lenco trim tab systems, the Ring cyba lite LED torches, the Hydraulic Steering Systems for outboards from Hydro Drive. Also five new ranges of deep cycle batteries, sealed for life, absorbed glass mat and gel under the Trojan, Fullriver and Squadron names. Also gauged fire extinguishers from 1kg to 4kg including expanding the company's range of HFC automatic fire extinguishers.

And a new range of engine controls from Teleflex Marine.

As predicted by Ivan Steele there has been only marginal growth in 2004. Aqua Marine believes this has been down to poor weather in July and August and the inevitable increase in interest rates.

However, he told BB the OEM sector is still strong, even with general commodities such as steel, lead and copper increasing dramatically in price.

Aqua Marine T: 02380 694949. F: 02380 601188 E: sales@aqua-marine.co.uk W: aqua-marine.co.uk AquaFax tell us it has had another good year with a sales increase of over 16%, and expects a similar story next year. Victron Inverters, and the Ring economy range, have been successful new products in 2004 together with new hydraulic steering from Ultraflex.

Next year the company will add outboard fuel tanks, aluminium anodes and a larger and updated range of electric bow thrusters from BCS.

In the Spring of 2005 Aquafax says it will also be opening a new depot in Plymouth in addition to the enlarged branches at Hamble and Wroxham this year.

Aquafax T: 01582 568700. F: 01582 568720 E: sales@aquafax.co.uk W: aquafax.co.uk ASAP has added SeaFlow Products, which include Lloyds Approved marine exhaust hose and a wide range of delivery hoses to suit, diesel, petrol, sanitation, air, water and fuel oils. Also SeaFlow Multichoice water injection exhaust elbows.

Other additions include Mycelx marine environmental products that now feature KleenSock, SuperSock and MyPad, which complement the Mycelx range of products which are use to remove harmful Hydrocarbons from the bilge area.

The Exhaustguard exhaust alarm systems and ASAP's own range of fenders have been removed from the product range.

Peter Edwards says overall the last year has seen improved growth in sales.

ASAP Supplies T: 01502 716993. F: 01502 711680 E: email@asap-supplies.com W: asap-supplies.com Atlantis Marine Power has been selling the Kohler range during the last year and has been selling Dynamica's new 5kW 3000 rpm generator. They feel that "together this gives Atlantis Marine the most complete range of generators available to the marketplace".

In addition a range of new engine control heads from Mathers has been introduced.

Peter Middleton told BB that: "Business this year has been steady but hard fought.

Results are on a par with the previous year, but we see boatbuilders becoming more and more demanding of the products they buy from us and we have to strive harder to match the product from the factory to what the boat builder requires."

Atlantis Marine Power T: 01752 28810. F: 01752 208811 E: sales@atlantismarine.co.uk W: atlantismarine.co.uk Bainbridge has had two new full ranges and a number of new products in the Lewmar product line added to its portfolio. There are also a couple of additions in the FSERobline rope range and it is now possible to buy Bainbridge anchor chain in bulk.

The new ranges include Blue Performance - a range of high quality boat accessories and Yachtspeed alloy deck fittings.

Gordon Coventry, head of sales and marketing told us:

"Despite a relatively flat UK market and an indifferent boating season, Bainbridge has worked hard with retailers and customers to achieve increased sales year on year with both established brands and new products."

Bainbridge International T: 01489 776000. F: 01489 776005 E: info@bainbridgeint.co.uk W: bainbridgeint.com Bamar UK Distribution has found the RollGen, the roller reefing for MP-S and asymmetric spinnakers the best seller over the last year.

The product was launched at METS in 2003 and came on line to distributors in April of this year and really has sold well in the last three to four months.

Business would seem to be doing well as shown by the fact that last year's catalogue is already having to be reprinted for the second edition.

Bamar UK T: 01590 642777. F: 01590 642778 E: uk@bamar.co.uk W: channonsails.com EP Barrus launched the Verado four stroke this year. Formerly known as Mercury's Project X, this in-line, six-cylinder 2.6 litre general configuration will be used for the Mariner and Mercury 200, 225, 250 and 275 horsepower models.

"E P Barrus Ltd will be putting a strict sales and service programme into practice so that every customer can be assured that the dealer or boat builder has the appropriate training and diagnostic tools to service the product effectively, " said Paul Roberts, general manager, Marine Leisure Division.

On the inboard engine side of the business, Barrus has introduced additions to the new-generation diesels from Yanmar Marine. The naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 3YM20 has a completely redesigned cylinder block and combustion system. Also Yanmar Marine's new YM series of naturally aspirated diesel engines, the two-cylinder 2YM15 The company tells us that "business has been very good during the last year with market share increase in all areas".

EP Barrus T: 01869 363636. F: 01869 363660 E: marketing@barrus.co.uk W: barrus.co.uk Calibra Marine International distributes J-Prop feathering propellers; CABIN lights and LEDS interior and exterior;

Metalstyle lights and LEDs interior and exterior; Foblight anchors; Solimar steering systems and flush deck hatches; Nemo and Metalstyle passarelles; Nemo furling systems, vangs, backstay tensioners; - Nemo and Olcese Ricci stainless steel hatches and CABIN oil lamps.

The products no longer distributed are Mast Steps and Keysaver.

Calibra Marine International T: 023 8040 3944. F: 023 8040 4509 W: calibaramarine.com Cleghorn Waring's marine product sales have risen this year, led by strong home market sales of Jabsco and other bronze seawater pumps and spares, as well as their own and Jabsco's pressurised water pumps and systems. Exporting, both to the EU and further afield, has been tough this year and they are not expecting next year to be any easier.

Cleghorn Waring T: 01462 480380. F: 01462 482422 E: mail@cleghorn.co.uk W: cleghorn.co.uk Curtis Marine started selling the Nawa range of stainless steel deck fittings after last year's METS and says these have proved very successful.

The range carried will increase for the 2005 season. Curtis has also introduced the ICP range of solar panels and accessories, the Unilite torch range, Leather Man multitools and a range of tube heaters.

Curtis says growth has continued with a 30-40% increase in turnover with expansion in both the product range and customer base.

Curtis Marine International T: 01268 493200. F: 01268 543439 E: office@fiddlersgreen.co.uk W: meridanzero.co.uk C-Quip has maintained and intend to expand its niche in the market place by concentrating on the development of its range of stainless steel products. New products include two pop-up folding cleats that can be stud mounted or surface mounted.

Also new quick release canopy fittings have been added as has Trident hose for the OEM trade.

Waterproof stereo systems and speakers from PolyPlanar, as well as a new range of sports wheels from Stazo.

Polished aluminium port lights, some new stainless port lights and some all new sunblinds from Bomar are also new additions.

C-Quip is also working on various new projects that include some heavy duty superyacht equipment that the company hopes to be able to offer in 2005.

The only brand C-Quip are definitely dropping is Anaf fire extinguishers.

The company told us 2004 has been another excellent year for C-Quip. However the retail side of the business has shown less of an improvement and they expect 2005 to be a tough year in a very competitive market place.

C-Quip T: 01489 577257. F: 01489 574488 E: info@cquip.com W: cquip.com Mark Dowland Marine has seen several major developments to its range over the last 12 months, adding Teleflex Marine towards the end of 2003. Also new are the Marinco Shorepower range of 230V waterproof connectors and leads, plus the Marinco Sealink Guest chargers, battery switching and Dyna Plates range of power management systems were joined by AFI horns and wipers, Nicro vents and fans and Raritan Engineering marine toilets and icemakers, which have, says MDM, been fitted at OEM level for several years.

Other new products include the Fireboy Xintex - a new range of halon replacement automatic fire extinguishers - the Glendinning - Cablemaster range of automatic pay out and coil back shorepower cable system, Durasafe locks and the Aquaglide combined multisport package. This is supplied with a kit to transform it from a windsurfer to kayak. Aquaport is a dock system that can be used as a towable swimming platform or launch pad.

Mark Dowland Marine T: 01929 551138 F: 01929 551104 E: mdm@unipart.co.uk W: burdengroup.co.uk Euro Marine is including new stainless steel shackles, bow rollers, toggle switches and navigation lights, as well as courtesy, berth and spot lights and a wide range of other hatches, fasteners and cleats etc.

They report a very very busy season and at the time of going to press were in the process of moving to larger premises.

Euro Marine T:01472 276649. F:01472 276697 W: euromarine.info Furneaux Riddall has become the sole UK distributor for the Spectra range of watermakers.

In addition they have also become Hella Marine distributors. The company says the 2004 season started well but quietened off during the middle of the year but seems to be ending on a high note with sales looking good.

Furneaux Riddall T:023 9266 8621. F: 023 9269 0521 E: sales@furneaux-riddall.demon.co.uk Golden Arrow says it hasn't added any new ranges to its portfolio and the only new items are additions to existing ranges.

Martin Bizzell described the year as "indifferent" and "not as rosy as some would make-out".

Golden Arrow Marine T: 023 8071 0371. F: 023 8071 0671 E: sales@goldenarrow.co.uk W: goldenarrow.co.uk Index Marine has introduced a range of electronic charge splitting devices, round faced volt meters for 12 and 24 volt applications, marine horns, high amperage connectors and double pole battery switches.

The company has also been working on its own range of bilge alarm products and is in the process of extending the range to include a two station unit that will monitor two separate areas independently. In addition Index will also be introducing a new single station pump control unit.

Index Marine Equipment T: 01202 746000. F: 01202 746046 E: sales@indexmarine.co.uk W: indexmarine.co.uk International Marine Products has had a "year of consolidation" with new underwater LED lights from Cantalupi and the introduction of their touch screen control panels. Frensch has introduced a number of new products including combined fluorescent/LED lights. Gebo Glazing has brought out new polished aluminium window and portlight frames and Zwaardvis has brought new stainless steel, telescopic pedestals and helm seats to the market place.

For rigging a new continuous line stay furler was also introduced.

International Marine Products T: 01763 241300. F: 01763 241770 E: sales@improducts.co.uk W: improducts.co.uk Jack Holt has introduced the Sarca anchor (standing for Sand and Rock Combination Anchor), in addition to its own range of ropes and the continued development of its Marine PrePacks of fittings range.

Ben Dunton tells us the company has seen "increased distribution turnover of 12% over the last year".

Jack Holt T:0208 7895557. F:0208 7898365 E: sales@holtallen.co.uk W: holtallen.co.uk Keto has become the main Webasto dealer for the south coast and has established 30+ sub dealers. This has been the main change over the last year, which Toby Hague tells us "was not easy but business was there if you were prepared to work for it".

The company has also diversified into the inland waterways sector, which they see as an expanding market.

Keto T:01202 715171. F: 01202 715172 E: info@ketogroup.com W: ketogroup.com Keypart represents several companies in the UK and was appointed sole distributor for SIERRA marine engines and drive parts in late 2003. No products have been removed from the company's range.

Business has been very good over the last 12 months and Keypart feels confident of more growth for 2005 and has recently added another member to its parts sales team.

Keypart T: 01923 330570. F: 01923 330590 E: sales@keypart.com W: keypart.com Kruger, which specialises mainly in heating and related products, has introduced duct insulation for new heating installations and retro fit DIY applications. In its non-heating range there has been an addition of a new full harness wheelhouse seat for pilot boat, police launch and RNLI type applications.

When asked about this year the reply was "not bad".

Kruger T: 01425 619869. F: 01425 638640 Marathon Leisure has introduced Cobra VHF radios for which they are the exclusive UK and Ireland distributors.

Anchorlift windlasses and the Polymarine range of inflatable boat maintenance products including repair kits, flexible paints and cleaning products, have been added to the portfolio, as have the HipKiss range of brass eyelet kits and stainless steel press stud kits.

Also new is the Turbo range of synthetic based gels and lubricants, Burg Wachter German manufactured marine grade brass and stainless steel padlocks and the Safe-Light waterproof LED torch.

Marathon's own Waveline brand of inflatable boats and hardware has this season been extended to cover flags, load straps, rope and a range of budget paint brushes and rollers.

Products Marathon has removed from its range include English Braids rope as the company decided to launch its own brand, and Lenco electric trim tabs which didn't sit well with the rest of the product portfolio.

Marathon says business over the last 12 months has been steady, with growth in the region of 18%.

Marathon Leisure T: 023 9263 7711. F: 023 9263 7722 E: sales@marathonleisure.co.uk W: marathonleisure.co.uk Marine Components Inter - national has now taken on the sales and distribution of Weaver hatches and portlights in the UK. In addition the company is also looking to introduce products from two other USA companies early in the New Year, but at the time of going to press no details were available. Also Bennett Marine's Trimdicator is being replaced with a new trim position indicator from January 3.

The company says it has enjoyed another successful year, with growth on target in all markets.

Marine Components International T: 01202 624244 F: 01202 624255 E: sales@marinecomponents.co.uk W: marinecomponents.co.uk Marine Electronic Services has been marketing all the new products from the major players in the accessory field but are shortly to be introducing Aqua Media at LIBS 2005. This digital yacht system will handle all the media on a boat from terrestrial TV to DVDs and the internet.

The introduction of Aqua Media is expected to generate considerable growth in 2005 as 2004 has proved to be "stagnant" according to David Williams.

Marine Electronic Services T: 0870 122 1099 F: 0870 122 1098 E: sales@mesltd.co.uk W: mesltd.co.uk Marine Fire Safety is the marine distributor of FirePro fire extinguishing aerosol systems for the UK, which was taken on about 12 months ago.

The company also distributes Firemaster GTFE automatic extinguishers.

Over the last year the company decided to no longer supply Flamecheater automatic extinguishers.

The company says it has had a very good year with the introduction of FirePro, which they say seems to be a popular choice for boat owners.

Marine Fire Safety T: 01737 642375. F: 01737 642375 E: info@marinefiresafety.co.uk W: marinefiresafety.co.uk Marineware has introduced Awlgrip Hull-Gard Extra Substrate Primer, Awlgrip Alu Antifouling and Awlgrip Waterbased Interior Urethane Topcoat. Also new this year is SP370 Teak Deck Adhesive, SP Corecell Structural Foams, Epifanes Rapidclear Wood Coating, 3M Thinsulate Insulation and Marineware Powerwipes.

The last year was particularly strong for Marineware, they say, and as a result the company has strengthened its technical sales and customer services with additional personnel.

Marineware T: 023 8033 0208. F: 023 8033 9667 E: sales@marineware.com W: marineware.com Merlin Equipment is the UK's largest supplier of marine electrical components and systems and tells us it has enjoyed growth of over 35% in the last 12 months. The product line has grown to include BEP DC distribution components and Merlin has been appointed exclusive UK distributor. Also new the Cole Hersee "MiniBus" digital switching system and Life Cut Lifeline batteries.

Merlin Equipment T:01202 697979. F: 01202 691919 E: sales@merlinequipment.com W: merlinequipment.com Nauquip - which says business has been steady this year - has added the Andersen No 18 self tailing winch and the 110 ST winch. The 28ST winch has also now been added to the full stainless range, creating the 28ST FS. Schaefer has introduced a complete new range of chocks and cleats and Forespar has also introduced a new range of moulded Ultra deck chocks and Big Stick carbon tiller extensions Nauquip has echoed Andersen by removing the 12STE (self tailing electric winch) from its range.

Nauquip T: 01489 885336. F: 01489 885337 E: sales@nauquip.com W: nauquip.com Navimo UK. Made up of key brands Plastimo and XM Yachting, Navimo UK also distributes products from Navimo Group companies Max Power (bow thrusters) Nuova Rade (plastic fittings) and Goiot (deck hardware).

Plastimo and XM Yachting products are distributed to the leisure marine retail trade through the separate catalogues of both brands. 2005 versions of both will be launched at the Schroders London Boat Show in January.

Plastimo will add new products from Navman, new inflatable tenders, buoyancy aids, other safety products, hatches and the DAME award winning marine fuel cell from Max Power. The new mini retractable bow thruster from Max Power will be a major feature at London this year. As the exclusive UK distributor for Barton Marine, the new Clamseal will also feature strongly.

XM will be adding Star Brite cleaning products and brushes to their 2005 range. They will also launch an important range of windlasses, water heaters and battery chargers from Quick. Shur Flo pumps, a new range of XM batteries Bolle sunglasses and Squires padlocks will also be included in the 2005 catalogue.

Navimo UK T: 0870 751 4666 F: 0870 751 1950 E: sales@plastimo.co.uk Ocean Safety has had a busy year, not just with the addition of the Mobilert from Australia, KIM throwing strops (which were nominated for a DAME award), and the new ACR Aqua Fix 406 personal EPIRB but also with company expansions.

The company has opened offices in Scotland and Plymouth and is just opening a new warehouse next to its current offices.

Unsurprisingly, Charlie Mill says it's been a "very, very good year".

Ocean Safety T: 023 8072 0800. F: 023 8072 0801 E: enquiries@oceansafety.com W: oceansafety.com Seago Yachting reports that the existing ranges of Liros ropes, Quick windlasses and the Seago safety products have had the following products added for 2005: Junior Inflatable lifejacket, an inflatable Danbuoy, a man overboard rescue system, inflatable boats (2.3m and 2.6m), a marine dehumidifier and an ISAF liferaft.

The company reports a solid year with much potential to be realised in the coming season.

Seago Yachting E: sales@seagoyachting.co.uk W: seagoyachting.co.uk T: 01825 873567. F: 01825 873440 SMG says it has kept up with all the newest products offered by the likes of Garmin, Raymarine, Victron, etc. In addition the company became the exclusive distributor for the Australian EPIRB manufacturer GMS.

SM Group (Europe) T: 01752 241000. F: 01752 241040 E: sales@smgroup.com EC Smith says it has added many new products including the Euroengels range of refrigerators, cool boxes and remote units. There are new halogen interior lamps as well as an extensive range of LED fittings by Hellamarine. There is also a new line of boxed engine anodes by M G Duff.

Also a new range windlasses from Lofrans and Master winch.

ECS is now the main marine distributor for Jotun paints and there are also additions to the range of bronze skin fitting and intake strainers such as elbows and hosetail fittings.

EC Smith & Son T: 01582 729721. F: 01582458893 E: enquiries@ecsmith.com W: ecsmith.com Superyachtdocs has added the Marten flush carbon hatches to its product range. Being a relatively new company it has, since its start-up, only seen growth. However the 2004 summer was very quiet for them but fortunately business is now picking up.

Superyachtdocs T: 02392 476566 F: 02392 481884 E: info@superyachtdocs.com W: superyachtdocs.com Victory Marine told us they have added Rope Savers as a new addition to complement their Poly Rope range. The Drop Nose Pins are not strictly a new product however they have undergone research and improvements. Polyester 3-str Brown has just been released into the Polyester Superior range and the Pelican Hook with eye.

Victory Marine has seen a steady increase in sales this year together with increased interest from customers in Europe and the rest of the world via their web site.

Victory Marine Fittings Ltd T: 01489 570797 F: 01489 574488 E: sales@victory-marine.com W: www.victory-marine.com Vitesse Marine recently added the Supercool refrigeration unit to it's product range and, in addition, has now started to sell their own range of hoses which are made in Italy. For fuel, water, sanitation and exhaust use most of the range is fire proof in line with recent recommendations.

Sales have been very good over the last 12 months with a 28% growth over last year.

Vitesse Marine T: 01329 232360 F: 01329 826718