South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2023 confirms growing lineup

The 2023 South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show has revealed details of its most extensive lineup of global power, sail and electric boating brands to date.

The 2023 South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show takes place at MDL’s flagship Ocean Village Marina in Southampton from 21-23 April 2023.

“The 2023 show has the most extensive line-up of boats we’ve ever had, not just in terms of numbers, but diversity too, from small inflatable tenders to large aluminium explorer yachts,” says Tim Mayer, MDL’s sales and marketing director and show organiser.

“There’s never been a better opportunity for serious buyers to compare and contrast different models, as well as learn about the alternative propulsion options now available on the market to make their boating more sustainable, now or in the future.

“With such an extensive range of electric boats and innovative technology supporting greener boating being showcased alongside the world’s leading boating brands, it’s clear to see that sustainable boating is no longer a separate conversation.”

Sailing yachts

Making its world premiere at the show is GT Yachts’ GT325. Designed as Category A, this British-built sub-10-metre modern cruiser is said to have ‘has ‘Tardis-like’ proportions and, with the added flexibility of twin keels, is suited for coastal cruising with friends and family.

Displayed by SE Yachts, the electric Arcona 435 Mk II is making its show debut. Equipped with an Oceanvolt ServoProp 15 electric propulsion system, the Arcona 435 Mk II’s 15kW electric motor is the equivalent of a 30hp diesel engine on a similar-sized yacht.

“The Arcona 435 Mk II averages over eight knots which is fast for a 45-foot yacht,” says Alasdair Marshall, director of SE Yachts.  “A higher performance monohull, like those in the Arcona performance cruiser fleet, is a huge advantage when sailing with electric propulsion as it sails well, even in light winds, and will start charging your battery through hydrogeneration sooner.”

Visitors to the show can see the Arcona 435 Mk II with Oceanvolt electric propulsion on berth 15 alongside the new Arcona 385.

Multihulls

M.i.Cats is unveiling the Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 to the UK public for the first time at the 2023 South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show. “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors on board the Astrea 42 and showing them why Fountaine Pajot catamarans are leading the category of modern cruising catamarans,” says Carl Livett of M.i.Cats.

“With competitive pricing and award-winning status, the Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 really does make the perfect cruising boat.”

One of the newest members of the Lagoon family, the Lagoon 42 offers comfortable living accommodation, both above and below deck, making it suitable for couples or families who want to relax and cruise in comfort.

And with the mast moved further aft, a self-tacking jib, short boom and all controls leading back to the helm, the Lagoon 42 is said to couple performance under sail with ease of handling.

Designed for couples and families, the Broadblue 346 is described as being small enough to make passage through the French canals, while being robust enough to carry Category A status. Bringing all the sheets and halyards to a single forward-facing location alongside the helm station, the Broadblue 346 can be easily handled by one person, including reefing the main sails.        

Offering an exhilarating 20-knot-plus performance, the award-winning Dragonfly 28 also goes on display in the marina on berth 13. This trailerable, foldable, five-berth family sport cruiser is available in both touring and performance versions.

Motorboats

Designed by fishers for fishers, the Wellcraft 262 will be presented at the show by Sea Ventures. Powered by twin Yamaha 200hp outboard engines, the Wellcraft 262 comes equipped with everything you’ll need for an enjoyable day’s fishing or a fun day out with the family.

Also on display will be the Wellcraft 355, which, with 900hp on the back provided by a trio of 300hp Yamaha outboards, is designed to push the limits out on the water, reaching speeds of over 50 knots.

From New Zealand’s leading producer of high-performance rigid inflatable boats, the Protector 330 Targa is billed as the ‘ultimate multi-purpose vessel.’

Customisable for utility or recreation, whether heading out with friends or conducting a search and rescue mission, this 34ft RIB is available to view alongside the Protector 310 Chase.

Idealboat showcases a selection of sporty cruisers from Finnmaster, with the models on display coming from the Finnish manufacturer’s T-series, which combines a sporty look and feel with comfortable cruising.

Having spent his life designing racing yachts, celebrated designer Nigel Irens has turned his attention to building low-emissions vessels.

“I have spent most of my life designing high-performance racing yachts, but since 2003 I have also been absorbed by the exciting development of a succession of unusual motor launches, which is represented here at the show in the form of our production-built eight-metre launch under the name of Clara Boat,” explains Irens.

Visitors to the show can look around this innovative, open launch on marina berth 6.

For boating enthusiasts looking for something a little smaller, either as a tender or just to have some fun on a sunny summer’s day, there are the robust and versatile aluminium RIBs and tenders from AB Inflatables.

On the stand are the ultra-light Lammina 7.5 UL, Lammina 10 AL and the Lammina 10 AL fitted with a Jockey Console. These hand-crafted, hard-wearing, and innovatively designed tenders are joined by the Alumina 9.5 ALX from AB’s console RIB range.

In addition, South Coast Powerboats have the Zodiac Cadet 270 on display on shoreside stand 33, with multiple outboard engine options in the 2.5hp to 5hp range.

Electric vessels and alternative propulsion

Optima Electric Yachts is launching its first 100 per cent electric boat at the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show – a 10-metre luxury dayboat/weekender. The ultra-efficient, low-resistance hull form benefits from a significantly reduced energy consumption to provide a range of up to 200NM, along with reduced charging requirements and comfortable seakeeping. 

Chloe Kendall, Optima’s commercial director, comments: “Our first 10m boat has a double cabin, separate heads, extensive galley and social areas, with seating for up to 10 people around a large cockpit table. The removal of the conventional engine room creates a large garage for storing dinghy, outboard, fenders and accessories such as SUPs and foiling boards.”

With a variety of propulsion methods available (including hybrid and electric), the 14.5-metre ocean-capable Archipelago 47 is billed as an ‘ultimate explorer catamaran.’ Pairing the functionality of an offshore cruiser with the homely feel of a family cruiser, the Archipelago 47 is available to view throughout the show on marina berth 10.

Aiming to build the first long-distance, zero-carbon leisure vessel on the market by using methanol reforming technology, the team from Archipelago Yachts is introducing its initial designs for a 63-foot explorer vessel, made from aluminium and designed to have a transoceanic range, using methanol alone. This will be known as the Archipelago e63.

Providing a more sustainable way for people to work and play on the water, RS Electric Boats is exhibiting its Pulse 63. This 100 per cent electric RIB uses emissions-free propulsion and is made in the UK using sustainable materials. Designed around the electric drive and associated battery pack, the working space in the cockpit is optimal, and the hull shape contributes to the range of the boat (45nm at 15 knots), and it has a top speed of 23 knots.

Built by craftsmen, the Nelson 18 from Nelson Motor Yachts offers an eco-friendly alternative to harbour, estuary and river launches. With the option of electric, hybrid or diesel propulsion, this stable, long keel craft has excellent seakeeping abilities and is fun and easy to handle.

Silent Yachting presents Remigo electric outboards, soon after the RemigoOne won a Green Product Award (motion category). Judges said: ‘This innovation shows how sustainable design can combine user needs. Product design with performance and of course material benefits is a mature product solution’.

Bluewater marine equipment specialist Mactra Marine is launching the Power UP range of hydrogen generators. New to the UK market, the Power UP range offers user-friendly electrical power sources, providing entirely green electricity, with models producing 200W, 400W and 1kW to revolutionise how power is generated on yachts and ocean rowing boats.

Developed in response to strong demand for complete and efficient power solutions for low-powered recreational craft, the ePanda Series 8.0 with a new 5kW electric shaft drive makes its UK debut at the show.

“Fischer Panda UK is really excited to be able to offer this new power solution to the UK leisure market,” says Chris Fower, sales & marketing director at Fischer Panda UK. “With increased awareness from day boaters, weekend sailors and bluewater cruisers around the efficiency and reliability of electric systems, the ePanda Series 8.0 meets the demands of those looking for a greener, affordable and complete electric solution.

“This new series is derived from many years of experience producing commercially graded electric motors, and demand for our hybrid solutions will be a driver of more eco-friendly, efficient technology for the leisure market in the future from us.”

Sail maker and designer, Onesails is showcasing its 4T Forte composite sails, said to be the first ‘green sails’ on the market. The firms says the membranes, made from its Multi Micro Structure (MMS) technology, and their assembly have been engineered for the highest standards in terms of environmental impact and recyclable options. Glues, resins and solvents have been replaced by heat fusion and the base polymer is 100 per cent recyclable in a standard waste separation process. To find out more, visit the team on shoreside stand 29.

Tickets to the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show are free and can be booked online via the MDL website.

Appointments to view specific boats or meet with the individual exhibitors can also be arranged via a booking portal on the website.

Industry leaders and eco experts will come together at this year’s South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show to discuss the future of boating in the show’s first panel discussion.

For a full list of confirmed exhibitors to the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2023, visit the show’s homepage.