Boat Sales by eAuction

Essex Boatyards schedules eAuction

By IBI Magazine

Essex Boatyards, a UK-based boat sales and repairs firm, has chosen Wax Digital to help the company market a range of yachts in an online auction.

The industry-first event, which is scheduled for May 1, allows interested parties to register up to six weeks in advance and then bid on the day via a standard web browser.

"We see eAuctions as a means to demonstrate our continued commitment in offering outstanding value and innovation in our industry," says Essex director Nick Barke.

"We chose to work with Wax Digital because they offer both market-leading technology and a team of expert consultants on hand to help us extract the best from that technology," he adds. "They have supported us in developing the auction, providing advice and best-practice expertise."

Users will also be able to purchase Marine Surveys on each of the craft before the event. Essex Boatyards has purchased the surveys in advance and is offering copies to registered bidders at an exclusive rate of just £40 VAT.

Essex Boatyards is a family-owned business with more than 30 years' experience in boat sales and repairs. The company is a main dealer for Fairline and a UK distributor of Arvor, Glastron and Four Winns motorboats.


(23 March 2009)

2010 London Boat Show - Stand Space Price Reduction

BMF reduces price of 2010 London stand space

By IBI Magazine

The British Marine Federation (BMF), together with its subsidiary company National Boat Shows (NBS), has announced a 20 per cent reduction in the price of exhibitor space at next year's London International Boat Show.

The saving is one of three cost-cutting measures put in place by the BMF through an Economic Conditions Discounts (ECD) package. The association has also reduced membership fees by 10 per cent and halted any increase in the cost of exhibitor space at the PSP Southampton Boat Show in September 2009.

To qualify for the 20 per cent reduction at next year's London show, marine businesses have to have exhibited this year and must also guarantee to take a minimum of 90 per cent of their 2009 stand space.


(13 March 2009)

Welsh marina accused of profiteering

By IBI Magazine/Yachting Monthly

A £9m Welsh marina which opened in 1995 has been accused of profiteering after yachtsmen claimed its berthing charges have gone up by 35 per cent.

The 100-berth Aberystwyth Marina in mid-Wales has seen up to 12 boats leave to moor elsewhere, according to local news reports. And Aber Marina Berthing Association spokesman Richard Lees claims fees have soared from between 15 and 35 per cent.

But marina manager Mike Harris told IBI's sister publication, Yachting Monthly: "It is not true. Our fees have gone up between 14-16 per cent and this is mainly due to a £100,000 dredging bill we faced."

Having dredged the marina they then had to have the mud clawed away for a second time after the winter's heavy rain brought more deposits down from the Cambrian Mountains.

Harris said the marina fees had lagged behind other Welsh marinas over the years but added the increase would be a 'one off'.

To moor a Contessa 32 at Aberystwyth Marina would cost £2,958 annually.


(11 March 2009)

Boatshed.com (Boat Sales) reports bumper sales

Boatshed (Boat Sales) reports bumper sales

By IBI Magazine/Motor Boat & Yachting

UK-based yacht broker Boatshed.com has reported another month of buoyant boat sales.

The company says that despite tough market conditions, a number of positive factors have led to decent sales results.

Peter Watt of Boatshed Portsmouth says: "The strength of the euro is making buyers from all over Europe look to UK boats as they are better value at this time, plus all the talk of gloom and doom has brought more boats onto the market."

Similarly Steve at Boatshed Essex says: "Buyers are motivated by realistic prices and sellers are taking advantage in the upsurge in activity. In February we have had eight boats sold and five under offer. It's fantastic!"

Even the US market has felt a boost recently with Boatshed Florida reporting a huge rise in the number of leads: "Suddenly someone turned on the taps! We have over 400 buyer leads we are managing this month with 15 deals on the board and 10 boats going to Europe, it's real busy."


(10 March 2009)

Princess reduce workforce by 450

Princess to cut up to 450 jobs

By IBI Magazine

British luxury motor yacht builder Princess has announced that up to 450 jobs — a fifth of its workforce — could go at its Plymouth base, following a strategic review aimed at 'strengthening' the company.

Princess is now undergoing a 90-day consultation period, according to a report on the BBC. Voluntary redundancies and reduced working hours will be used to minimise the impact of layoffs at the yard.

The firm currently employs 2,125 people, up from 1,712 people in 2007, and builds two yacht ranges — the Flybridge up to 95ft (29m) and the V-class up to 85ft (26m). A shorter working week was introduced across a number of departments in January.

Managing director Chris Gates told the BBC: "We have concluded that, despite market conditions, Princess has the strength to sustain a workforce of around 1,700, a figure similar to that of 18 months ago but regrettably this will require a reduction of up to 450 employees.

"We are committed to continued investment in the Plymouth area and in our people but must meet the challenges being seen across all industries and match our production capacity to the changing demand."

Plans continue for a multi-million pound investment in facilities to build yachts up to 130ft (40m). The search for a site is underway at present with a final decision due by the end of April.

Princess was established in 1965 and operates in 1,000,000ft2 of facilities.

(6 March 2009)