DaleH
FOUNDER of Classic Parker Forum
FYI, in England for a few weeks on business. Now, I should be home tending to MY boats, but since I am not, I ventured over to THE largest boating flea market in Europe, called the Beaulieu 'Boat Jumble' held out on exhibition grounds about 45-minutes West of where I am staying. The rain was threatening so I took my British waxed rain coat and headed out.
What a flea market! It was HUGE, easily the size or bigger than the largest State Fair in your neck of the woods! I’d say 80% of the stuff was used and you could find ropes, anchors, controls, motors, fishing gear, kayaks, and EVERYTHING marine-related to outfit your boat. It was indeed an incredible experience. There were rows and rows and rows of marine gear, even old boats to buy. I have never seen anything like it!
One booth (hope the picture comes out) was selling nautical antiques and he had 3 Navy Mark 3 deep sea diving outfits for sale, complete with rubberized canvas outfit and lead shoes. Man those antique places sure had great items! I wanted to buy a control mechanism like from the steam ships, where you clicked in the speed desired from the bridge and it would be sent to the engine room. I found one, but it was > $200 and it was in operating condition and there’s no way it would ever fit into my luggage.
I spent about 4-hours there and only got to see junk on ½ of the booths or tables. I didn’t even venture into the exhibitor booths at all, where the latest in marine electronics were being showcased. I will say English sailors are true mariners, as they have to take and pass a WEEK’S LONG TEST to get their offshore sailing license (the test official stays on board with you and gives you courses to steer), or they’re forbidden as to how far out or offshore they can venture.
Most small boats, even sailboats, over there seem to be going to the RIB or rigid hull inflatable type, with a base fibreglass hull surrounded by an inflatable collar, for floatation and stability. I only saw 1 center console boat present, but was surprised at the number of boats now adding outboards to them. They say this is due to the 4-stroke motors and Suzuki seems to be taking England by a storm.
I did pass a Yamaha booth and stood next to a new Yamaha F350 4-stroke. The skeg was just off the ground and I could not put my hand up on the top of the motor. It was freakin’ HUGE! I only bought a hydrofoil for my skiff ($10 US). Prices were mixed, generally higher given the exchane rate, but the best deal there was easily the Hella LED col-reg side lights for $12 US, or 6 UK pounds asking. They had all-arounds and combo bow ones too, but those all sld out before I got there. Those same lights easily cost $40-50 at home, if not more!
Alas, the pictures will have to wait until I get home ...
What a flea market! It was HUGE, easily the size or bigger than the largest State Fair in your neck of the woods! I’d say 80% of the stuff was used and you could find ropes, anchors, controls, motors, fishing gear, kayaks, and EVERYTHING marine-related to outfit your boat. It was indeed an incredible experience. There were rows and rows and rows of marine gear, even old boats to buy. I have never seen anything like it!
One booth (hope the picture comes out) was selling nautical antiques and he had 3 Navy Mark 3 deep sea diving outfits for sale, complete with rubberized canvas outfit and lead shoes. Man those antique places sure had great items! I wanted to buy a control mechanism like from the steam ships, where you clicked in the speed desired from the bridge and it would be sent to the engine room. I found one, but it was > $200 and it was in operating condition and there’s no way it would ever fit into my luggage.
I spent about 4-hours there and only got to see junk on ½ of the booths or tables. I didn’t even venture into the exhibitor booths at all, where the latest in marine electronics were being showcased. I will say English sailors are true mariners, as they have to take and pass a WEEK’S LONG TEST to get their offshore sailing license (the test official stays on board with you and gives you courses to steer), or they’re forbidden as to how far out or offshore they can venture.
Most small boats, even sailboats, over there seem to be going to the RIB or rigid hull inflatable type, with a base fibreglass hull surrounded by an inflatable collar, for floatation and stability. I only saw 1 center console boat present, but was surprised at the number of boats now adding outboards to them. They say this is due to the 4-stroke motors and Suzuki seems to be taking England by a storm.
I did pass a Yamaha booth and stood next to a new Yamaha F350 4-stroke. The skeg was just off the ground and I could not put my hand up on the top of the motor. It was freakin’ HUGE! I only bought a hydrofoil for my skiff ($10 US). Prices were mixed, generally higher given the exchane rate, but the best deal there was easily the Hella LED col-reg side lights for $12 US, or 6 UK pounds asking. They had all-arounds and combo bow ones too, but those all sld out before I got there. Those same lights easily cost $40-50 at home, if not more!
Alas, the pictures will have to wait until I get home ...
