It’s September which means it’s time for the last big boat show of the season – and this year the PSP Southampton Boat Show will once again be the location for many firsts in boating.
Although it isn’t primarily an inland waterways event, there is always plenty for canal and river fans to see, and wandering around the waterfront event is always fascinating for anyone with a love of boats, plus the weather’s often kind which makes it a good day out.
This year the marina will have some two kilometre of pontoons, berthing more than 300 boats ranging from the Tall Ship Phoenix, a magnificent replica two-masted brig and one of the feature boats in the show, to a variety of new motor boats and superyachts of all kinds.
Among the 600 stands will be many companies familiar to inland waterways boaters, including Beta Marine, E.P. Barrrus, Engines Plus, Nanni and Vetus if you’re thinking about getting a new engine for your craft, Aquafax, Barden, Eberspacher, Haven Knox-Johnston, Hybrid Marine, Kuranda, LeeSan, Mastervolt, Nauticalia, Tingdene Marinas, Towergate Insurance and Webasto.
Of course these are just a few of the companies and there are many more of interest from chandleries to water purifiers.
Of wider interest for anyone who loves the water, there will be 132 boats and various new product launches, and this year the show’s layout has been changed with Mayflower Hall and Ocean Hall being connected, so you can keep out of any rain and walk undercover from one hall to the other.
All in all, it’s a good day out. The show runs from 12-21 September (9.30am – 6.30pm, 6pm on Sunday 21) and tickets start from £15 per adult with concessions available for over-60s, disabled visitors and groups of ten people or more. Two children under the age of 15 go free with each paying adult.
Advanced tickets can be purchased from www.southamptonboatshow.com.
