It’s January again, and time for the boat show. This time, without a boat of my own. What interests me, and what should I check out?
To stay organized, since I only have one day, I’d better make a list:
Hanse 360 (ST)
We find this boat really interesting. I’ll check the space below deck and all the features we expect. Let’s see, the boat is currently being offered by some dealers with huge discounts. Over-ordered? Doesn’t matter, I’m looking forward to it.
–> Visit report: A truly fantastic boat. The workmanship has definitely been drastically improved. The well-sized wet cell and the option of a large galley are great. However, the storage space, should you require three cabins, is below average. Many of the storage compartments are partially occupied by unprotected electrical components. You wouldn’t want to add a toolbox to that space. This could definitely be improved. But with the large walk-in lazarette (available on the two-cabin version), this is no longer an issue. With so much storage space, it obviously needs to be well-organized, but it’s certainly sufficient. The helm station, winch positions, etc., are all really good.
Boat Wrapping
Not on the outside, but inside. I’m not sure if there will even be exhibitors at the show, but depending on the boat, it might be necessary to make some adjustments here and there.
–> Visit report: No offers 🙁
E-Drive and Battery Technology
Probably one of my biggest topics. Yanmar and other electric drive manufacturers—curious to see what electric propulsion providers are out there.
–> Visit report: A shame, Yanmar have only one Diesel Engine to show. The guy from Yanmar have no glue about the new SDe eletric Saildrive engines.
I had some good conversations with engine manufacturers, but the most prices are realy phantasy. In the end it is a electric engine! There is nothing special about a BLDC or a induction engine. Best information and conversation at the Waterland stand. Pricewise a good decision and I need to wait for the 20 KW engine with saildrive adapter.
Energy
Marine batteries are mostly overpriced. But maybe there are new Vendors on the scene. Also I will check for very small Diesel Electricity Generators. Max 4KW. But my preparatory research was not succesfully.
–> Not that much I have expected. For sure some chinese vendors with huge exhibition stands and 6 Batteries on the floor. Renogy´s Solid State batteries ae one of the first and real good shape. No look inside but the outside and the facts are great. Pricewise – ok, takes some time.
Liontron´s batteries? Bigger and bigger, water resistant chassis (sorry, like most batteries up to the poles), nothing real inovative new. No plans for solid state now.
Sailing Trips
I’m going to check if there are any providers similar to Fastsailing.gr. I’ve already found one: The Ocean Collective. but they only offer trips starting from 9 days, and all of them are on flights that are harder to reach. Still, pretty interesting.
There might also be the Wadden Sea trip offered by YACHT. It was a lot of fun the last time, I’d totally do it again.
–> That was frustrating. The numbers of exhibitors have noticeable decreased. ust marinas and 0815 chartercompanies. No alternative to fastsailing.gr.
Odds and Ends
The many small exhibitors are of great interest to me. You often discover hidden gems of engineering. Really looking forward to that!
I found some really interesting things when it comes to small sized installation. Watermaker, A/C and a cool induction cooker. The buket list for SY-Colette is mostly done 🙂
A very good talk with Rake Rigging. I want to refit a furler cutter stay if Colette comes without one. And also change to rod rigging. All possible and not that expensive. As soon as Colette will be in Amsterdam we will go ahead.