Britain’s hardest-hitting motorboat magazine

Is it me or has the whole industry gone retro mad? Half the ‘new’ models at this year’s Southampton show seem to have their design origins planted firmly in the 1960s. And it’s not just companies like Swordsman who are cashing in on the trend with near perfect re-makes of original Faireys.

Whole new marques are springing up to cater for the phenomenon. Witness the arrival of the Solent Spear and the equally attractive Aquila. Both are brand new models which have deliberately been designed to ape the classic wooden motorcruisers of yesteryear.

Even some of the more mainstream companies are finding it hard to resist. Chris Craft led the way with gorgeous reinterpretations of their 1960s launches and now Jeanneau are looking for a slice of the action with their decidedly retro 925 Runabout.

So what’s it all about? Is it just a cynical ploy to cash in on the grey pound with products that appeal to gentlemen of a certain age who now have the money to buy the boats they lusted after in their youth or is it something altogether more deep rooted?

Judging from the survey of boaters in Chichester harbour, the average age of the boating population is certainly creeping upwards but unless I’m 35 going on 65, these craft have a timeless style that appeals to boaters of all ages.

I’m no designer but there is something inherently right about the proportions of a flared bow, deep vee hull (blue of course), reverse sheer transom and inward sloping topsides that leaves me powerless to resist. No doubt a psycho-analyst would have a field day explaining why but I’d prefer to spend my time on the helm seat rather than the couch. That’s why we’ll be beating down doors to bring you driving impressions of these born-again icons just as soon as we can.

Hugo Andreae, 19 August 2004