MBY's excellent preview of what to see at the Southampton Boat Show continues online...(2)
There are so many exciting new boats at the Southampton Boat Show this year we couldn’t fit them all in the magazine!
So following on from our eight-page feature in the October issue of MBY, here, in this and three other news stories on our website, is the best of the rest…
SB Offshore Minor 29 DC
Berth 258
What is it?
An aft cabin walkaround shaft drive pilot house boat from Finland.
What they say
“Although the 29 hull has been proven now over many years, the 29DC is making its UK debut at Southampton. As always, this uniquely Scandinavian format is totally logical and useful albeit outside the mainstream design trends.”
What we say
The Oscar and LC versions of this hull have already been seen in the UK, but this new DC (basically meaning AC, or aft cabin) version is unusual in a number of ways.
Firstly, it conforms to the walkaround layout of these excellent and seaworthy craft, but throws an aft cabin into the mix as well. There is a second cabin up front.
Secondly, the galley is situated in the aft cabin! This, we suppose, means you can have breakfast in bed with the minimum fuss, but for Pete’s sake don’t burn the toast.
Thirdly, those flybridge seats look a tad precarious, but bear in mind this boat is brought in by the same company that imports the Botnia Targa, and shares that marque’s first rate sea-keeping.
The SB range also offers shaft as opposed to the Targas’ stern drives.
A sliding sunroof is a welcome addition to the long list of heavily practical items on the 29.
At a Glance
LOA 28ft 9in (8.7m)
Beam 11ft 9in (3.5m)
Flat out 28 knots
Engines 2 X 160hp diesels
Price N/A
Contact: Wessex Marine. Tel: 01202 700702. Email: wessex-marine@btconnect.com. Website: www.minor.fi
