The show runs at the Amsterdam RAI in the Europa Complex using Halls 1 – 7, the Europa Foyer and the Diamond Lounge. The show runs from Tuesday November 13 to Thursday November 15.

Amsterdam RAI is also the show organiser, in association with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA).

At the time of writing, the RAI said it had ‘approximately 1,100 exhibitors’, which is around the same as last year, which will be showing equipment, engines, materials and services for the small boat and leisure craft trade and industry, plus equipment, materials, systems and services for the design, construction and operation of leisure craft marinas.

There will be 15 country pavilions - Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

The specialist pavilions this year include the Marina Pavilion in Hall 1, the Composite Pavilion in Hall 1 and the Superyacht Pavilion in the Europa Foyer and Diamond Lounge.

Breakfast Briefing
METS begins on the Tuesday morning at 08.00 local time (don’t forget to change your watches and mobile ‘phones [why don’t they detect time zones?]), when Randy Repass, founder and current chairman of US retailing giant West Marine gives the Breakfast Briefing in the Onyx Lounge.

Repass will talk for an hour and the organisers say he will outline West Marine’s impression of the state of the aftermarkets in the USA and Europe. In addition, they say, he may explore: China’s impact on equipment manufacturers in traditional manufacturing countries, West Marine’s criteria for selection of new products and own label goods and the continuing relevance of boat shows for the retail and aftermarket sectors in the age of the Internet.

At 09.00 Bill Dixon, who took over the chairmanship of the DAME jury from Kim Hollamby earlier this year, will present the DAME Awards.

Lewmar took the top prize last year with its One Touch winch handle, beating 166 entries from 136 companies, of which 74 were shortlisted for final consideration. The jury also decided to present its Innovation Award to Torqeedo of Germany for its Travel fully integrated electric outboard motor, which was snapped up for UK distribution by C-Quip.

Dixon’s DAME jury has short listed 34 products from the 138 submitted by 107 companies from 19 countries.

‘Overall I was impressed with the quality of the products, but my feeling was that there were categories that stood out, with a number of strong candidates, and other categories that were a little disappointing,’ Dixon commented. ‘It was a tough job getting through the number of candidates, so I must thank my experienced colleagues on the jury for guiding me through my first year as chairman.’

A major difference to the competition is the METS organisers have introduced a charity element to the awards (why?).

It seems all participating companies paid a non-refundable registration fee per product entered to support ‘a worthy marine charity’ (it says here). There’s more...

‘The Batavia Yard in Lelystad will use the donation to help fund an ongoing project to build a full size replica of a famous Dutch warship, The Seven Provinces.’

When complete, the boat will be the world’s finest example of an authentically reconstructed 17th century ship...

What will be the benefit of this to the companies entering products to the DAME awards, one wonders?

You’ll find a display of the winners right by the Boating Business stand 06.109. Drop by and say hello if you’re passing: Lorraine Curtis and I will be at the show from start to finish.

Seminar programme
The Global Superyacht Forum is organised by The Yacht Report and runs on November 12, 13, 14 and 15 in the Auditorium.

The Global Superyacht Forum (GSF) will play host to the biggest ever gathering of superyacht industry professionals. Over 600 delegates will meet in Amsterdam for a four-day conference to discuss and debate the growth and development of the superyacht market.

This year’s programme includes a panel of owners or an owner and his project team to bring to the floor their views and experience of the superyacht world.

ConnectFest is organised by the US National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) and runs on November 15 in Room D.

The NMEA 2000 Network provides benefits to boatbuilders and the trade including increased profitability and flexibility of installations as well as offers their customers a broad selection of marine electronics products. For the boating consumer, the NMEA 2000 opens up a new world of marine electronics with a system that offers the possibility of “plug and play” when their on-board product requirements change on a highly reliable network with certified products from a growing list of manufacturers.

Basic Marine Electronics Installation is another seminar organised by the NMEA. It runs on November 15 in Room D.

This basic seminar is intended for technicians with one or more years’ of experience installing marine electrical and electronics systems in a marine environment. This seminar provides instruction regarding the basic principles of marine electronics safety and performance issues, and is based on material from the NMEA Installation Standards.

The Solvent Emissions Directive seminar is run by ICOMIA, International Paint and Awlgrip and runs from 14.30 to 15.30 on Wednesday November 14 in Room E.

The Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) aims to prevent or reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and coatings into the atmosphere by regulating solvent-based activities. The seminar will examine the status of the SED, the regulations and the implications of non-compliance. A free tool will also be launched that helps yards and builders comply with the SED.

Hotels and travel
Amsterdam RAI has a lot of contact for hotels and various methods of travel. Go to the METS website at metstrade.com and you’ll find lots of information.

Opening times
The show is open from 10.00 to 18.00 Tuesday and Wednesday and 10.00 to 17.00 on the Thursday.

METS Products

Actisense - 03.128
Actisense, the brand name for Active Research Limited, developers and manufactures of marine electronics is launching three new innovative products.

Launched in response to customer demand, a new version of the Actisense NDC-4 NMEA multiplexer offers a completely versatile multiplexer enabling the combining and filtering of data in one unit with the benefit of pioneering ISO-Drive technology. Exclusive to the Actisense product range, ISO-Drive provides a galvanically isolated output, reducing the risk of damage and hazards in connected equipment.

With the new NDC-4 NMEA Multiplexer, users can connect up to five OPTO isolated NMEA 0183 sources, combining the data into a single stream. Two ISO-Drive outputs allow two different downstream talker baud rates to be created, ensuring maximum system flexibility.

By marrying the capabilities of the best selling NDC-2 and NDC-4 NMEA multiplexers, Actisense has created another unique product for the marine marketplace. With no other manufacturer offering ISO-drive technology, users can be confident that the Actisense NDC-4 will protect their connected on-board equipment.

Another world-first is the Actisense NBF-2 NMEA Buffer module, the best solution for buffering weak NMEA sources and allowing NMEA devices to be driven, such as chart plotters, radars and an on-board laptop/pc.

ISO-Drive technology has been added to the NBF-2 so that each output is separately isolated from each other and from the power supply, making it the safest buffer on the market.

Designed for buffering data from all NMEA 0183 source types (RS422, RS485 and RS232), including direct connection to a PC RS232 output, the buffer produces an amplified copy on each of its six ISO-Drive outputs.

A further development to the popular Actisense OPTO-1 and OPTO-2 cables is the new Actisense OPTO-3 NMEA to RS232 Opto-isolator, which features a fully shielded case and cable as standard.

The OPTO-3 is particularly suited to ‘noisy’ and/or commercial environments as it provides a complete solution for system builders who require all components to be shielded. A straightforward solution, the OPTO-3 offers a safe, low-cost way to connect an NMEA 0183 system to a laptop PC (or any other device with a standard RS232 9-pin port).

These products and more of the Actisense range will be on display at the Actisense stand 03.128 at METS 2007. All visitors are welcome to drop by, or appointments can be made by contacting lesley@actisense.com

Chatham - 03.431
Chatham launches its new Seasports shoe concept. The result of two years of design and development the new shoe is based on Chatham’s original washable leather technology and built on its famous deck shoe last.

The shoes feature long front sports styling to grip the foot, quick drying, washable leather technology, rubber mudguard to protect from foot knocks, a high-grip dimpled rubber sole, razor-cut in main contact areas, padded leather sock over a latex foot-bed and a leather lace.

The Annapolis is available in single colours for men and the Chesapeake in two-tones for ladies. Both will hit the chandlers next February.

Corrosion Block - 04.510
The rate at which metals corrode depends greatly on the environment and the amount of preventive maintenance they receive. On electrical systems Corrosion Block works as both a preventative and a cure. With just one application Corrosion Block's ability to remove moisture, combined with its excellent penetrating and strong dielectric properties (40kV) have restored many electric/electronic components. Corrosion Block is available in liquid or grease form. Distributed throughout Europe by Adams Aviation Supply.

Digital Yacht - 01.440
Digital Yacht is introducing its CF60 solid state PC which uses a patented solid state, flash memory device which effectively makes the PC impervious to any data loss through vibration or rapid movement, such as a boat crashing off a wave.

The solid state hard drive also brings other benefits including faster boot-up and operation speeds, reduced power consumption and tolerance of a wider range of operating temperatures. Designed to be powered directly from the boat’s DC (12V) battery system without the need for an inverter or AC generator, it uses an Intel mobile processor and the machine comes pre-loaded with Windows XP. Vista is an option but many electronic chart manufacturers don’t support it yet. It has all the normal PC-type connectivity including connectors for USB, Fire Wire and a traditional RS232 type connection for NMEA devices.

The unit ships with 515Mb of built-in RAM and a CD/DVD drive suitable for loading software. Digital Yacht can pre-install popular chart plotting programmes such as Nobeltec’s VNS or Raymarine’s Raytech navigation software and a range of LCD monitors are also available from 12” to 24”.

The CF60 is priced at £999.00 including VAT (€1499 inc tax) and ships complete with a cordless keyboard and mouse and is available immediately.

Dubarry - 01.157
Dubarry of Ireland is launching a new collection of clothing, luggage and footwear for the start of 2008, from new Gore-Tex lined and sporty shoes, to technical and casual clothing and a smart new range of luggage.

Two new footwear styles are being added: the Gore-Tex lined Hobart ankle boot and the Pro Racer. And following the increasing popularity of Dubarry’s mahogany colourway, the company has included it in its Cruiser and Compass range.

On the clothing front, the Solent Jacket is a lightweight, soft shell jacket made from a mix of polyester and Spandex with waterproof zips, waterproof, breathable ventilation ports for dryness and an elasticated draw cord at the hem for one-handed fastening.

The Mistral Trouser is a technical, lightweight trouser made from a quick drying fabric containing UV SPF 40 for increased sun protection.

Sierra Shorts are perfect for warm days, featuring the same technical qualities as the Mistral. The Sierra is available in navy/brown and sand/pebble in sizes 30-40 and costs £60.

The Genoa is a long sleeved technical tee with a crew neck. It has been impregnated with an anti microbial finish and has UV40 protection to shield against the harmful effects of the sun.

The Capri is a zip neck tee with all of the same technical specifications as the Genoa.

Casual clothing includes the Sennen – a classic polo shirt made from pure cotton; the Scrum – a long sleeved rugby shirt made from pure cotton with the numbers 1937 featured on the back of the shirt to signify Dubarry’s first year of manufacture. The Lineout is a long sleeved, striped rugby shirt sporting a self coloured collar and knitted cuffs.

The Mainland is a casual trouser made from 100% cotton. Castaway shorts are made from the same fabric as the Mainland trouser.

Accessories – a new range of caps and technical socks designed to perform well on the water and to look just as good on the shore.

In addition, Dubarry has produced a premium luggage range which includes crew, cabin and laptop bags to indulge any sailor.

Halyard - 03.303
Halyard is launching a new design of water separator that fits into the wet exhaust system to separate the cool gasses and water, dramatically reducing noise and back pressure. Water then drains silently away below the waterline with the gas exiting above waterline. Tests have shown a 10 dB (a) reduction in noise over conventional systems – less than a quarter of the original noise.

The unit has been specifically created to comply with stringent new emission standards that make it necessary for new marine generators to be manufactured with three inch exhaust outlets. The new standards affect generators from around 18kW sold in Europe, which means that most manufacturers will adopt the standard for worldwide sales.

The separator has been tested with generators with raw water flow rates of up to 62 litres per minute, being the highest coolant flow of any generator with a three inch exhaust.

MCI – 07.549
MCI shows Bennett trim tabs with the new ATC3000 - automatic tab control redesigned and improved– like cruise control for your boat!

Also on display is the EIC5000 - Electronic Indicator Control that combines control and tab position indication in one head, with automatic tab retraction.

Plus the SST – large stainless steel tab systems for larger craft, 50 to 150 feet, pleasure and commercial; heavy duty tabs and actuators with integral tab position indication.

Propeller Revolutions - 03.324
Propeller Revolutions will be exhibiting the PowerTech Match Prop as part of its ongoing commitment to developing the brand as an alternative replacement product to the Volvo Duo Prop.

The Poole-based propeller sales and repair specialist, part of the Clementsmarine Group, is the main European distributor for the new PowerTech Match Series and has created a strong marketing campaign in recent months to attract regional European distributors.

‘We would like to hear from potential Match Prop Dealers across Europe,’ says Thomas Bolton, sales manager for Propeller Revolutions. ‘We will be delighted to discuss our attractive stocking terms and dealer net prices which allow you to offer your customers a choice.’

A high quality replacement product for the Volvo Duo Prop, the Match Prop propeller sets exhibit excellent quality and extensive trials since November 2006 have proven claims of complete interchangeability with identical performance and thicker blade sections to that of the OEM Volvo sourced propellers. The PowerTech Match Prop range includes replacement sets for the Volvo A and B series and retails from £350 + VAT.

Propeller Revolutions stocks PowerTech’s full aluminium range, in addition to the well known, quality stainless steel product range for most outboard and inboard applications. In order to get ahead for spring 2008, Propeller Revolutions is suggesting European dealers take the opportunity to stock up at this year’s prices before the end of December.

Find out more about becoming a PowerTech Dealer: contact Thomas Bolton at Propeller Revolutions for more information on stand 03.324 or on Tel: +44 (0)1202 671226.

Ronstan - 04.303
Ronstan will be exhibiting the brand new Series 55 and Series 70 Orbit blocks range. Prices for these products start at a very reasonable £26.50 inc VAT, and have breaking loads up to 2200kg.

The company also has its 192 page 2008 catalogue available on the stand for our worldwide trade customers.

Sugatsune Kogyo – 01.211
The European arm of Japan’s largest producer of high quality domestic and industrial hardware will be introducing its exclusive ZweiL range of 316 stainless steel interior fittings.

Contrasting bands of high gloss and satin finish accentuate the luminous profiles of ZweiL products, designed to add sleek elegance to yacht interiors. Manufactured from the finest quality 316 stainless steel, the range includes door knobs, handles, pulls, hooks, hinges, door stoppers, glass shelf holders, door latches and hinges.

A key feature of Sugatsune’s product range is its patented Lapcon damping technology on its soft opening/closing devices.

Tacktick - 03.301
Tacktick will be previewing its new silver-grey bezel Micronet range. Not just a colour change, the new look instruments boast a host of new features including improved backlighting and full compatibility with Tacktick’s wireless remote and mast rotation units. The new grey instruments will come into production for the 2008 season.

The company says it is making the switch from its well known white bezels to silver-grey to enable the increasing number of owners specifying Tacktick instruments to have uniform grey coloured electronics packages on board.

Voller Energy - 01.444
Voller Energy, the UK based fuel cell specialist, will concentrate on expanding the distributor network into European markets for its new Emerald fuel cell system.

The new 1kW fuel cell will be at METS so exhibitors and visitors can get to understand the mechanics of this LPG, propane or Calor Gas driven alternative to the traditional diesel generator.  The product will be highlighted as environmentally friendly and a key player in the future of power generation in the marine industry. User benefits include less maintenance, low noise and reduced overall weight.

Webasto – 02.101
Webasto is showing innovative marine heating, air conditioning and roof solutions at this year’s show. Visitors can experience Webasto’s BlueCool air conditioning range, from self contained systems to split air systems and going to the widest BTU range of chiller systems.

Webasto is also showing its BlueHeat heating solutions consisting of economic air heaters and powerful water heaters as well as a new generation Air Top Evo air heater, including its innovative control panel. This control unit gives the user access to two additional operating modes - eco for power saving and boost for quick cabin heating.

A working display of the BlueComfort Premium, an integrated heating and cooling solution, is one of Webasto’s highlights in Amsterdam. Depending on the desired cabin temperatures, the system runs automatically in heating or cooling mode and it can be controlled by one single control panel.

The BlueComfort Classic provides customers with a climate at the push of a button.

In cooperation with Naviop, Webasto has teamed up and developed a comfort control system, BlueComfort ControlPad, which provides one central interface for the complete Webasto climate system on board. The user-friendly interface is equipped with an intuitive touch-screen panel and gives easy access to all system information. In order to allow user-specific practicability, the interface has three programme modes: end-user mode for simple control of the air conditioning system; read out mode for quick diagnosis and service programme mode for the installer to allow system set-ups and alterations.

Webasto has further developed its marine sliding roof range with a flush-integrated version of its Hollandia Marine SR1. This new model provides the opportunity to bring the sliding roof panel to the same level as the deck. Furthermore, the rear rails are located completely to the side of the roof. Webasto also offers a smooth automotive style mechanism and more flexible design opportunities for the boat builders.