Boats! Kit! Guinness! More boats! Is a great way to sum up the PSP Southampton Boat show. But for those looking for a bit more detail, Adrian Porter brings you the full review.

The biggest boating event of the year has once again come and gone. Now in its 43rd year, it continues to be the biggest, the most recognisable and above all the most respected boat show in the UK calendar. Within its walls countless exhibitors were there to tempt the show goer with everything from a new pair of deck shoes right up to the latest behemoths of luxury from the likes of Sunseeker on their stadium-esque stand. The show also had a host of new interactive attractions, more boats to get out on and lots more to see – but in spite of all this effort, whether it be the economic climate or rather the large patches of bad weather experienced during the ten days, attendance was down nine per cent on last year, and not all the exhibitors came away from the show reporting success.

In the sports boat and RIB area of the market, there were mixed reviews from the dealers and manufacturers, and it seemed to me that the RIB portion of the market may have been slightly more successful this year than their sports boat selling comrades. But even this period of penny squeezing could not stem the of brand new boats and even a few new companies making their debut at the show. So without further ado, here are the highlights of the show as we saw it. Cue Guinness bar…

Voodoo 530 GTX

This rather striking looking craft is the product of a brand new company in British waters – Voodoo Performance Craft. The idea behind this sports boat/RIB hybrid, Voodoo say, is to get as much performance as possible from the smallest amount of engine power. This does not seem to be the sort of boat for long lazy days on the water, but is more suited to those wanting to thrash about in the thrill of high octane boating. And we cannot wait to get our mitts on it. But regardless of what speeds you reach, with the real teak innards, a flashy dash and brilliant orange and black styling, you’ll be turning heads wherever you go - this is a very good looking boat.
07907 214622
www.voodooperformancecraft.com

Stingray 225SX

Big, bold and beautiful. With so many craft haunting the traditional colours of white, grey and black, it is no surprise that one could spot this machine from the other side of the show. Belonging to the indomitably cheerful Mark Rowley of Stingray boats, this craft has been given a full test in this very issue, so rather than go on about it here, I simply insist you click here for a preview of the full test.
01929 481519

www.stingrayuk.com

RYA book apps

With boat guru and RYA author Jon Mendez as guest, the RYA officially launched their new range of e-books at the show. The books can be viewed on Apple smart products like the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and feature videos and animations to help ‘bring teaching points to life’. So far, three titles have been launched and two of them are of interest to us powerboaters; RYA Start Powerboating and RYA Diesel Engine. Brendan Cusack who has recently taken his RYA Powerboat Level Two course commented: “These new apps are really very good. They really bring the books to life, are user friendly and give you a fantastic step by step guide through different activities.” Currently the apps are apple only, but will be made available for Android devices before the year is out.
www.rya.org.uk

For the full show review, buy the November issue of Sports Boat and RIB, available from 3^rd November. To buy the current issue, click here.

Photos: Adrian Porter