YACHT & POWERCRAFT DESIGN SERVICES

Yacht & Powercraft Design Services Ltd
 Email:  info@yacht-designer.co.uk
Tel. 44 (0) 1489-583346   Fax. 44 (0) 1489-583346  Mobile  07803-724317

Although boat shows beside the River Thames have often been associated with wooden boats, there were a number of GRP boats at Beale Park and they were not without character.  This little catboat (8) from Florida, USA should look very pretty when afloat without its show labels.

But for the wooden boat enthusiast, there were plenty of beauties, both on shore and afloat, such as this classic Thames motor cruiser (9).  

Also on the lake were a number of launches including at least two steam powered boats, such as the immaculate “Firebird” (10) with its impressively shiny steam plant (11).

Although there were some narrow boats on show, the canal boat that particularly caught my eye was a small highly decorated steel boat (12) that was presumably prepared as a demonstrator for traditional canal art.

On the stands there were numerous interesting items for sale, from books to paintings and a wide range of traditional fittings.  One exhibitor kindly spent some time explaining to me how cast bronze rowlocks were made in the proper way - I had never realised that so many processes are involved.  Although they look complete, the ones here (13) are apparently just patterns for the final bronze castings - hence the grey colour.

The 16ft Oystercatcher gaff-rigged yacht (14) made a pretty sight sailing on the lake.  I was booked for a trial sail on her through the BMF “Try-a-Boat” scheme.  All togged up with a lifejacket kindly loaned by the BMF, I waited on the pontoon as instructed, but the exhibitor failed to honour the booking.  A sad note that almost spoiled the day and very different from the usual enthusiasm of the exhibitors when given the chance to demonstrate their products and services to show visitors.

More from Beale Park Boat Show 2004

Home Page

9

10

11

12

13

8

14