Stuart Field heads for the Seawork commercial show in search of some surprises . . .

Many boat builders well known in the recreational sector have long exhibited at Seawork, where the unique opportunity to meet commercial, government, and military buyers can result in substantial sales. This year was no different, with Pioner boats, Redbay RIBs, Hysucat and Ice Marine all on display, alongside large wind farm support craft and tugs. But as ever, a visit to Seaworks not only offered an opportunity to see a variety of craft but also to view new products that are of direct value to the recreational boating world.

The top gizmo

This year, a very simple new gizmo called the Universal Hub (from Safety Hub) was launched, following years of research by Dr Trevor Dobbins. Suitable for fitting to both outboard and shaft drive systems, this simple device (p ictured left) prevents damage to expensive props should they strike an obstacle, prevents costly repairs, and smoothes out the shock of engaging forward or reverse gear. More importantly, it ensures a boat is never disabled by a sheared or damaged prop. It’s a classic example of ‘Why hasn’t someone thought of this before?’. It is a simple solution to a very longstanding problem.

The leisure cat
Another high spot at this year’s show was the chance to get afloat in an eight-metre Hysucat, driven by its designer, Marlin Comradie. Although the show exhibit was a fast one-off craft, specifi cally built for an undisclosed ‘Gulf customer’, it was an eye-opener to see how the boat performed at speed, and in the wakes created by shipping. Its capacity to hammer hard through big seas without disrupting the comfort of its occupants was astonishing.

Its performance is made all the more exciting by the fact that the new Hysucat, the 6.6m Evolution, is to be built in the UK and distributed by Motorcat. With a new hull incorporating a dynamic foil conceived by Hoppe, the new craft is the first to come out of Hysucat since the company came under the umbrella of a new investor. Designed for high-speed use in rough conditions, the new 6.6 is intended to reduce the physical impacts that conventional deep-V monohull RIBs transmit to their crews. This is obviously of particular value to commercial and military operators but its potential value to adventurous leisure users is also extremely compelling.

The new Hysucat will make its first public appearance at the 2010 Southampton Boat Show, but (frantic little ferrets that we are) we have already managed to secure the exclusive first UK test on this boat. Make sure you buy next month’s magazine to see how she fares . . .

The unexpected stuff
There are other highlights at the Seawork Show of less explicit leisure relevance that nonetheless prove equally diverting. How about a massive bow thruster taller than a man? How about an aft fold-down transom that can take a tonne of loading? How about a stealth craft that makes you feel like an evil villain? How about a prototype hydrofoil like a space-age boy-racer wing to improve the dynamics of super-fast RIBs? Or a radically rapid Yamaha Waverunner personal watercraft, rigged for use as a Police pursuit vessel? That’s the beauty of this place. You go along anticipating nothing but hard-nosed commercial gear and you come away with a head full of outlandish ideas for your boat life. I’ll definitely be popping back in 2011.