1. Motor Boat Fuel Efficiency
October 11, 2008


With the loss of marine red diesel derogation to UK leisure boat owners from the 1st November ‘08 and marine fuel reaching all time highs this year, here are a few boat fuel efficiency tips to ensure you continue to spend more time on the water than alongside the fuel pontoon! Engine Maintenance Any inefficient engine will consume more fuel. Ensure planned maintenance is performing as per manufacturer’s advice. Leaking oil, unusual odour when running, unfamiliar noises or is producing black or white smoke, then get it repaired. The savings over the long term should normally outweigh th... (read more)

Author: Neil Dennis | Article Views: 346

2. Yachts Are They Just The Reserve Of The Rich And Famous.
October 10, 2008


There are plenty of folks out there who dream of owning their own luxury yacht and for most of them that's all it will ever be, just a yachting dream that will most probably never come true. There are however other alternatives to outright ownership of a luxury yacht that many people are blissfully unaware of which is a great shame because the dream may be a real possibility afterall. The main obstacle for many would be owners is of course the huge cost of even the smallest of vessels which often runs into thousands of dollars. If this could be overcome then of course many more budding sailors... (read more)

Author: kevin moore | Article Views: 582

3. UK Red Diesel - Duty Collection from 1st November 2008
October 04, 2008


HRMC clarified the way in which additional fuel duty is to be collected from the 1st November 2008, at the Southampton Boat Show. It will affect private pleasure craft owners when purchasing red diesel for propulsion and to a lesser extent when purchasing red diesel for heating. How will it work? Private pleasure craft owners will be able to continue to use marine red diesel for propulsion use, but at a modified duty rate. They will have to declare the percentage of fuel to be used for propulsion and domestic use respectively at time of purchase. HMRC say “It is for the purchaser to de... (read more)

Author: Neil Dennis | Article Views: 441

4. What is a Boat Share Club?
October 03, 2008


Boating Members pay a fixed annual fee which gives them access to a range of boats. Boats can vary from high performance cruising yachts like Sunseeker, Beneteau, Dufour and Bavaria, high performance power boats, sailing yachts and exhilarating Ribs. These fractional ownership schemes, many modelled on the well established market in the USA, are attracting increasing numbers of sailors looking to cut costs in current markets. Advantages Easier than ownership Less expensive that yacht charter No long term commitment, normally 12 months. Varied fleet performance cruising ... (read more)

Author: Neil Dennis | Article Views: 392

5. The River Thames tides - when is the best time to visit?
September 30, 2008


The River Thames in London is tidal from Teddington through the city and down to the mouth where it enters the sea. The tide rises and falls due to the rotation of the earth and gravitational pull of the moon. Very basically the water wants to stay at the closest point to the moon and as the World moves this causes the water to appear to move creating a tidal flow. To us it is the sea that is moving not the World where in reality it is a bit of both! The tide affects the River Thames right up to the first lock at Teddington. This means the whole of Central London and all the boats, ships... (read more)

Author: Neil Dennis | Article Views: 483

6. Speed boating on the Thames - Why, Where and Who to call?
September 25, 2008


The River Thames in London is an exciting and vibrant highway meandering through the very heart of the City. There are many sightseeing and party boats in London for hire, but until recently those people after a more aggressive from of entertainment on the Thames simply had no options. Over the past 2-3 years speed boats, RIB’s (rigid inflatable speed boats) and even jet boats have started to appear on the river for passenger carrying rather than just commercial and industrial use. These exotic and expensive passenger boat versions are often based on their commercial cousins which lends t... (read more)

Author: Neil Dennis | Article Views: 487

7. Early History Of The Marine Diesel Engine And Application
September 10, 2008


The first mention of a fast running marine diesel is in 1903 on the Marne-Rhine canal when a French built canal barge named “Petit Pierre” sailed, producing 25bhp at 360 rpm. In 1904 two marine diesel engines combined were being used in a French submarine ‘Z’ 120bhp.Then in 1905 another French diesel submarine the ‘Aigrette’ with a more conventional 4 stroke engine produced 200 bhp was launched. The first sea going application in a commercial venture is when Swedish engine firm A.B. Motorer delivered the 120 bhp, 300 rpm reversible engines for the 350 dwt cargo ships “Rapp” and “Schna... (read more)

Author: Neil Dennis | Article Views: 595