Southampton Boat Show

[betty boop]

We went yesterday (Friday) and after the morning rain had a very good day.

We were there to look at boats, with a view to building a shortlist of potentials for our next purchase.
The thing that struck me as a massive let down, was the absolute lack of knowledge by the majority of the sales staff there!

I always do my homework first, and for me to go onto a stand and know more about the boat than the sales person selling it is unacceptable in my mind.

The one company that was absolutely outstanding in their knowledge and willingness to talk about their product, was Birchell Marine from Torquay, who were showing the Regal range of boats. We only went onto the stand as I have a historical love of Regal boats, and SWMBO thinks they are 'pretty'......

Anthony Birchell spent a long time showing us the 28 Express, talking us through every detail, answering every question with accuracy, especially the technical & servicing cost queries, took the time to listen to our 'wants' and 'would likes', and spoke common sense with his suggestions.

He showed so much knowledge, and enthusiasm for the boat, that it is now firmly on our 'possible' list.

that happens, although Im sure James will say he has a full knowledge of the product he's trying to flog the punters We had a few experiances of the same at this show and others so Im guessing that the stall bring in outside 'sales staff' some would call them 'tottie' to flash eye lids and flirt the product. Best stands for us were the ones where owners were pressent and able to sell with passion.

Worst stand - English Briads who tried to give me 'Cr#p' so I'd spend £150 on 30m of 10mm warp when I knew the first stand in over the bridge was offering it for £23. Theres quality and taking the P.

Best stand, Sailing holidays, my Brother used to be their mechanic in Corfu & Ms BB got totally hammered on free gin punch (acciedntly i have to say ) whilst we chatted about a booking floatila holiday. Very funny trying to get her over the bridges at 15min past closing too.

[Xboatboyx]

I wish I knew all the information on every boat model but there's a lot of boats!

[Bigplumbs]

Just got back from the Show and had a very nice day despite the fact that 90 % of what I was looking at I could not afford

Dennis

[shibbs]

Just got back from the Show and had a very nice day despite the fact that 90 % of what I was looking at I could not afford

Dennis

The same here Dennis. I had a very pleasant day, weather was overcast and a comfortable temperature to walk around in. I enjoyed it, yes it was much the same as it always is but then i'm quite happy spending a day looking round boats and stuff to do with boats, even if i have seen most of it before.
I saw James on his stand but he was deep in conversation with what i imagined to be a potential sale so i left him to it.. maybe meet you another time.
I kept an eye open for you Ian, did you go, if so then we may have unknowingly brushed shoulders at some point.
I came away wondering how i am going to earn that extra £500K odd extra to fund my dreams but oh well...
I was particularly impressed with the Monterey and Sealine dealers, plenty of time to chat and more than happy to allow viewings, even though it was made clear early on that a new boat wasn't on my shopping list at the moment. Top marks! (The wife did decide that the S33 was to be the next one though!)
It was also decided that we are going to look into the possibility of doing a (Sailing ) holiday at some point in the future, they looked great and really sold to us! Anyone done one at all?
I came away with a few questions, reference products that may be of choice, but i will post my questions and ask opinions in a separate post to follow...
All in all though, recommended, a nice day out..

[Matt13]

Great first day today once the rained cleared. Good to see Matt and his friend, did you like that Sealine 530?

Good to catch up and have a chat james you looked like you had a lot of interest in the boats.
Sealine cockpit was amazing loads of light from the huge windows.
Looked at lots of boats for some reason quite like the Eling, had an interesting chat with a couple onboard the Sealine S330 who own a SC35 I mentioned how prices were starting to come down for the 35 they then told me how much they bought there's for ...£105,000!! Couldn't believe it , 2008 model.
Enjoyed the free MDL beers on the terrace.

I'll be back again Saturday with my lad.

[Ianfs]

We are there now. So far looking good. Heading for Sunseeker.

[Bigplumbs]

We are there now. So far looking good. Heading for Sunseeker.

I thought the Sunseeker Stand 'shouted' a little too loudly for me

[sprocker]

I thought the Sunseeker Stand 'shouted' a little too loudly for me

Me too! We were viewing a boat on a stand close by when Eddie Jordan was opening the Sunseeker stand, we couldn't hear what the salesman was saying.

[Ianfs]

We were viewing a boat on a stand close by

Would that have been the Monterey or Regal stand by any chance. We really liked both the big Regal 28 and the big Monterey. They seemed to have worked well with a 28/9 foot hull.

We did like the Sunseeker's and it was nice to be met with enthusiasm again, not much new in innovation and the 53 was disappointing, but good price for its size.

The Sealine's were disappointing and Fairline seem to have lost their flare.

Our particular favourite of the show and I must stress this would be for our choices was the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40, at £350,000 for brand new boat and twin diesels giving 30knts and 77 litres an hour with the stepped hull at cruising speeds of 23knts.

However, the highlight for Laura and I, believe it or not, was being hailed by a very special Salesman as we were walking back from the pontoons to get Laura some rest ( her back op was giving her pain). James, (xboatboyx) you looked so professional and I must say the last time we met you were a lad, today we both said, you certainly put most of the professional's to shame. As I said, we have to talk.

I was very fortunate to have left with some money still in the bank, the cheque book was hovering when we looked at the Beneteau, Regal and almost there with the Monterey. Still, we have a budget and must try to stick to it.

[mlines]

The Regal stand was next to sunseeker as well. I am back down tomorrow to have a boys visit so I can look at what I like without Elaine wanting to move on to the next display.

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