This, in itself, may not be a bad thing. I suspect the British Marine Federation (BMF) could do with a bit of a shake up. The powers at Egham understand it needs to change the perception many have of it. But that’s small beer compared with the kind of changes that may be forced on it if this show is less than successful.

The success or otherwise of this show depends on quite a few variables. And, when you look at what’s out there, the ECBS is not at the top of the list (the ECBS may even help attendance at ExCeL).

While we’ve had the first interest rate cut for 18 months, which ought to liven things up a bit, the credit squeeze effects are still rampant out there, along with the worries about house prices, sparked off by American banks lending money to people who had little chance of paying it back.

Pressure on the US banks brought pressure onto the UK, sparking the run on the Northern Rock, which shocked the financial world – a run on a UK bank?

More recently we’ve read the Bank of England's chief markets expert saying he and his international counterparts are attempting to protect Britain from a vicious circle in which the credit crisis could cause a major economic slump.

Paul Tucker, executive director for financial markets, told The Telegraph the move by central banks to put extra cash into the financial system was designed to prevent the crisis escalating.

A small ray of light is the Bank of England cut interest rates to 5.5pc and it may follow this with another cut in February or even January, which could help ExCeL.

And all these things could, of course, have been the reason for the abysmal visitor attendance at the ECBS – let’s hope James Brooke’s people asked their visitors about things like this that affect decisions on things like boat show attendance.

Certainly NBS had people outside the ECBS asking just that kind of question.

While we’re on that subject...
And while we’re on that subject, let’s set some rumours to rest. First, let me assure you I haven’t sold out to Egham.

Secondly, like many of BB’s readers (and a lot of ECBS exhibitors), I felt the NBS campaign outside Earls Court was, perhaps, inadvisable.

At the same time I have to admit that, after adopting a strategy of sticking the collective BMF/NBS head in the sand and hoping the ECBS would go away, I do confess to a grudging respect for their actions because it was just plain good to see them actually doing something.

And I’m sure a lot of BMF members will take the same view.

Let me explain: worried there was still a lot of confusion over the two London boat shows, NBS decided to mount a campaign outside Earls Court to let ECBS visitors know the real London Boat Show would take place at ExCeL in January.

They did this by hiring teams of youngsters to approach ECBS visitors as they approached the tube station after leaving Earls Court to hand them a leaflet about the London Boat Show.

Many people felt this was NBS at its worst and it should never have been allowed and rumours abound about NBS agents swarming all over the EC grounds, waylaying innocent people; NBS staff being arrested and/or thrown off the grounds and banned from coming back.

I find these rumours irritating. Because they are simply untrue.

And, above all, regardless of whether you like the NBS initiative or hate it, why shouldn’t NBS take action to protect the industry it serves?

So I looked into various rumours and I can tell you nobody involved with the NBS leafleting campaign at Earls Court got arrested.

Next, nobody was thrown off the EC site and banned from going back. But what did happen was one of the agents hired by NBS was confronted by EC security staff, even though he wasn’t handing out leaflets at the time.

It seems the young man was manhandled by the EC security staff and was actually quite shocked by the treatment he received. Especially when photographers suddenly appeared to record the action. The situation was calmed a little after the young man received an apology from Earls Court, which probably stopped him taking the matter further.

Third, all NBS agents were fully briefed to approach only those who had left the ECBS, and then only outside the EC grounds. NBS assures me its staff and agents complied with all the regulations at all times.

Finally, there are claims that NBS ‘broke its own boat show rules’ by leafleting and advertising in the area around the ECBS.

The only boat show rules NBS has are its own Terms & Conditions. They say nobody can promote a competitive event inside a show organised by NBS. And while the letter sent by NBS MD Andrew Williams to James Brooke certainly asks Brooke not to allow his colleagues or agents to do business inside the SBS, it makes no mention of promotions outside the SBS.

NBS has no jurisdiction over the surrounding area and made no demands that Brooke shouldn’t promote his show in the surrounding area. I’ve seen the letter.

So NBS didn’t break its own rules by leafleting and advertising around the ECBS.

OK, the BMF and NBS may be a touch heavy handed, distant and arrogant on occasions. But they had all the right licences and all the right permissions to carry out the actions they did.

They are not stupid. They know what certain sections of the industry think of them and they’re trying very hard to change people’s perceptions.

So I can’t see them putting themselves into such stupid situations as these rumours have them, where they can be shot at from all sides by me and everyone else with a real or imagined grievance against them. Can you?

So whether you agree with their actions or not, Egham didn’t put a foot out of line...

Back to the show
In the same vein (I haven’t sold out to Egham - honest!) NBS has tried very hard with this show to take on board the criticisms of last year’s show. In itself, that show was a huge step forward in putting the ‘show’ back into the London Boat Show, so let’s keep our fingers crossed for this show.

Williams gave BB a couple of overall points they worked hard on: ‘From visitor feedback at the 2007 London Boat Show we have changed the layout to bring them more of what they want to see – watersports, for example.’

Another point that received a lot of attention was signage to the dock area. ‘We have worked much harder at getting people out onto the dock - the handout map given to everyone will help deliver this improvement,’ Williams told us.

Land Rover has signed as solus car sponsor of the show and will have two Range Rovers there. The company has also teamed up with Sunseeker to offer a ferrying service for its VIP guests and clients, transporting them in and out of the show.

‘This is the first year we’ve been at the show,’ said Land Rover’s UK marketing director Andy Griffiths. ‘Many people who own luxury boats also own a Range Rover, so our presence at the show is the perfect chance to synergise the brands.’

Starting outside in the Hydropool Marina, we have HMS Exeterin the Royal Victoria Dock. The public love a warship. The boys love the macho guns and all the nice girls love a sailor (well, that’s what Portsmouth Poll tells me).

HMS Exeter is the seventh Type 42 destroyer and the fifth ship to hold the name. She served in the Falklands War and the first Gulf War and is credited with being the last ship to engage enemy aircraft with a Surface to Air Missile (SAM) during the Falklands War.

The marina is also home to the inland waterways section of the show (there are some boats inside as well). There will be 13 companies exhibiting 17 canal boats on pontoons in the dock, with an adjacent information centre.

Inside ExCeL, other craft suitable for inland waterways – mainly motor cruisers – will be grouped together as another interior inland waterway feature; along with a range of stands specialising in canal and river information and services.

There will be promotional and information links between the inside exhibits and those on the water, encouraging the public to visit both areas.

Inside we now have a central stage. Well, it’s central to the North Hall. And it’s ‘powered’, as they say, by Fairline. I hear rumours of a 38ft Fairline in the stage area – let’s hope it’s sensibly placed and doesn’t do more for Fairline than it does for the audience.

The stage will see the presentation of the Sea Queen Stage Show – an aerial spectacular performed by circus dancers and stilt-walkers dressed as sea creatures.

The stage alternates between the Sea Queen performance and a slick catwalk show featuring big name popular clothing brands such as Fat Face, Musto, Gill, Henri Lloyd and Figleaves.com

Also up there at some stage will be legends Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Geoff Holt, Adrian Flanagan and Mike Golding who will share stories of their adventures at sea.

There will also be Boat Review 2007 – a boating montage of the year projected on the main stage’s big screen

Other features include the restoration of the Cutty Sark, which is being rebuilt using both state of the art technology and centuries old techniques. I wonder if METS put anything in the pot?

The Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year Awards will be announced on Saturday January 12 at 16.00 and Olympic hopefuls from Skandia Team GBR will also take to the stage to talk about their preparations for the forthcoming Games in Beijing.

The Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award will be presented on the Tuesday in the Painted Hall at Greenwich.

‘A lot of imagination and creativity has gone into the planning of the main stage area to make it a major hub of activity at the show,’ said NBS MD Andrew Williams. ‘We know visitors want a central feature attraction and we’re confident this will more than meet their expectations.’

Anchor Watch is back. This was one of the most popular features last year and NBS hopes it will be the same this year. Certainly the looks on peoples’ faces as they realised there was a better way of anchoring was worth seeing last year.

Start Boating is another feature that should offer the newcomer some impartial advice to find the right boat for their needs and budget.

Deck Games is another feature that had a lot of interest last year. Aimed at younger visitors, there’s a model sailing boat they can play with, plus lots of interactive bits here and there. Who needs a crèche when there are lots of things kids can play with, eh?

The Cutty Sark will be a fascinating feature, with bits of the old boat on the stand being worked on using a combination of old and new technologies. Something for dads and kids there.

Classic Boats. Always a great draw after the acres of plastic on display. And the smell! Real wood. And varnish. There’s probably a HSE man hiding round the corner to make sure the vapours are within SED allowances...

The Watersports Zone is a new section to attract those windsurfers, wakeboarders, kite boarders and their associated products that would have gone into the East Hall... There seems to be more money in watersports these days, so it may be a big attraction. Let’s hope so.

Hopefully for this show the advertising campaigns will be highlighting how easy it is to get to ExCeL using public transport.

The perception that it’s an awkward place to get to is untrue. The journey from Waterloo to Custom House for ExCeL on the DLR is – on a bad day – maybe five minutes longer than Waterloo to Earls Court. And the number of changes is the same. Just make sure you don’t change to the DLR at Canary Wharf – go on to Canning Town.

And here's a quick selection of the new products we've beentold about at the show.

Advance Yacht Systems has been appointed UK distributor for the revolutionary patented Swing Thruster from Swedish company RMC.

This compact thruster will appeal to the yacht owner wanting to enjoy the control a bow thruster gives, without compromising the yacht’s performance or spoiling her lines.

The RMC Swing Thruster can be mounted further forward, boasting 30-50% greater efficiency over a traditional tunnel thruster. When deployed, operating well below the waterline the Swing Thruster is much quieter as well as being more efficient. This compact package works equally well as a flush fitting stern thruster.

Managing Director Rod Boreham comments: ‘with a reputation for delivering high quality products and installation, this streamline thruster is a powerful addition to our product range.’

The Swing Thruster is available for boats from 25’ – 85’ and its ease of installation and maintenance make it an attractive option.

Advance Yacht Systems will be demonstrating the RMC Swing Thruster on stand S006A.
LBSP05Advance
Advance’s RMC Swing Thruster – S006A

A.S.A.P. Supplies is an established distributor for many leading brands of marine equipment. It will be showing the new Supa HOTPOT range of domestic calorifiers and hot water systems, which has been increased. This range includes pressure pumps and drinking water filters manufactured in the UK. 

The Faria Antares Digital Engine Display Unit will be making its show debut. The compact multi-screen units feature the very latest in digital engine technological instrumentation.

The popular A-ZAP Engine Instrument Panels and Looms will be displayed along with some of the Faria gauges.

The Centek-Mycelx Environmental Products will form part of the feature supporting the RYA-BMF Green-Blue campaign promoting cleaner boating.

Other products on display will include: The Centek range of GRP Wet Exhaust System components from the pioneers in the design and manufacture of the marine exhaust system. Racor Fuel Filtration Systems, including the dual system upgrade program, which enables boaters to add an additional fuel filter unit and create a cost effective twin filtration system for added protection. Perko Navigation Lights and Hardware – backed up with a 5-year warranty for leisure craft. Check out the complete range of Seaflow approved exhaust and on-board fluid transfer hoses. Sherwood Flexible Impeller Pumps and spare plus ‘The ASAP Pump Shop’, which enables you to purchase all your flexible cooling pump spares, be it Jabsco or Johnson – all from one source. The Quietlife brand of noise control products takes care of any troublesome on-board noise issues. Golight Search Lights – 500,000 Candle Power @ 5.5amps! The renowned range of MG Duff Anodes. Bowman Heat Exchangers & Coolers. Champion Spark Plugs, Filter Elements and Payen Engine Gasket Sets. 

Collect your free copy of our latest 10th Edition printed Catalogue and the 11th Edition CD Catalogue. Special deals available for Online Trade Orders placed during the Show.

Find us on stand S002A.

LBSP02ASAP
Faria guages – S002A

 

Avon Inflatables will be unveiling two new craft at the 2008 Collins Stewart London Boat Show. The new 4-stroke Seasport Jet 430 SC DL will be making its world debut and promises a major impact on the market for high performance luxury yacht tenders, while the new Adventure 410 will be making its UK debut and will incorporate an 'Avon first' new design feature.

The largest model in Avon's new exciting range of turbo-charged Jet RIBs the 430 SC DL will strongly appeal to owners of Superyachts looking for a luxury tender that offers both outstanding comfort and performance.

Propelled by a 4-stroke turbocharged 98hp inboard engine, it provides an exceptionally smooth ride when under way, with ample room for six passengers. A fun, yet safe Jet RIB, the 430 SC DL makes an ideal luxury tender or recreational craft for water-skiing.

Price £22,100 inc. VAT

LBSP06Avon
Avon’s Seasport Jet 430 SC DL - SO34A

 

Barton Marine is launching its new DO550 Clutch for controlling halyards up to 12mm. Shown at METS in November, the new single rope clutch design provides exceptional strength and ease of operation for the crew.

Using high quality materials that withstand harsh marine environments, the clutch is extremely durable and impact resistant, with a maximum holding power up to 550kg. The high grade plastic components coupled with aluminium cams and bases in the 'Spectro' anodised finish that is featured on many Barton products ensure a strong yet lightweight product.

Operating the clutch is easy; the strong, easy to hold handle makes opening and closing the clutch mechanism simple and precise. The design also allows the lines to be adjusted with minimal slippage when in the closed, locked position.

The removable insert panel at the top of the clutch's handle allows coloured, labelled inserts to be easily added and replaced to identify the function of the unit.

The DO550 Clutch is priced at £38.00 excluding VAT (RRP).

 LBSP01Barton
Barton Marine - N049B

 

C A Clase has been appointed the exclusive European distributor and support centre for MB Quart Marine Audio Visual equipment and is launching the range at ExCeL.

The company is also showcasing a wide selection of satellite communication and navigation products, including the Geonav 3, the latest model in the highly regarded Geonav GPS chart plotter series.

On display at London is the MB Quart WM1-DVD receiver, a radio/CD/DVD entertainment system, compatible with Apple’s iPod. Playing DVD, CD, MP3 and WMA formats, the WM1-DVD receiver features a multi regional DVD for marine OEM export, five preset EQ settings allowing users to change the sound to suit the occasion, an easy to read display complete with fold down faceplate, a power down memory that retains preset and audio information as well as a subwoofer output level control.

The system also includes a waterproof credit card remote offering the same easy to use technology onboard as at home.

The Nautic Audio series also includes a selection of quality marine speakers providing superb acoustical clarity, high performance amplifiers, wired remote controls and Slave DVD and CD players, which will be available from the C A Clase stand at London Boat Show.

LBSP03Clase
The MB Quart WM1-DVD receiver – S006C

 

Digital Yacht is introducing its CF60 solid state PC. Unlike traditional PCs which have a magnetic hard drive, this new CF60 utilises a patented solid state, flash memory device which effectively makes the PC impervious to any data loss through vibration or rapid movement such as the 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. The CF60 is designed to be powered directly from the boat’s DC (12V) battery system without the need for an inverter or AC generator. 

It utilises a state-of-the-art Intel mobile processor and the machine comes pre-loaded with Windows XP as a standard operating system. Vista is an option but many electronic chart manufacturers do not support this technology yet.

It has all the normal PC-type connectivity including connectors for USB, Fire Wire and a traditional RS232 type connection for NMEA devices.

With a heavy diecast chassis, the CF60 does not require any extra internal cooling fans, as heat is dissipated through its enclosure.  his greatly improves reliability as salty, moist air is not drawn through the machine for cooling purposes.

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

The CF60 is priced at £999.00 including VAT, ships complete with a cordless keyboard and mouse, and is available immediately.

 LBSP04Digital
Digital Yacht’s CF60 solid state PC - S022D

 

Marine A Glaze is to launch Active 3 at ExCeL. It’s been over two years in the research and development department, which set out with the sole objective of creating a special multi-purpose product using a 'spray and wipe' formula.

The finished formula of Active 3 consists of revolutionary polymers, a new active cleaning agent and special gloss preservatives. 

The new product called A Glaze marine Active 3 has been produced to remove stubborn baked on marks and stains which are sometimes left in between visits to the vessel. Bird lime is especially hard to remove and when it is removed scratches can be left on the GRP/painted surface. New Active 3 will not only remove these marks with ease but will also reseal A Glaze surfaces leaving a gloss shine.

For boats which have not been glazed, Active 3 can still be used on the surface ensuring the mark is removed and leaving a high gloss finish with short term protection. Other stubborn marks such as black streaks, flies, exhaust stains can also be easily removed.

Active 3 comes in a 500ml spray and will be available to buy from the A Glaze stand N031D.