This is not a boat show that I go to regularly as the cost of petrol plus the entrance fee now makes it rather expensive. However a friend who was interested in replacing a small diesel engine asked me to accompany him. This gave me the opportunity of visiting the dinghy section while I was there. I have already mentioned some of the craft I found there in past Bulletins, so I will restrict myself to new or updated boats. All the prices quoted were inclusive of VAT where appropriate.

Tepco Boats — 17/18 High Street, Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2EN — 0702 73770

The GRP version of the 12’ Tideway has been in production for some time now although the price has gradually crept up. The basic model will now cost you £2,750.

They have now produced a GRP rendering of the beamy MkII version of Walker’s Family 14 calling it the Tepco Tideway 14. The Boatman tested it some while ago reporting it to be a good, strong, stable dinghy at a sensible price which would make a good camping dinghy. Definitely worth looking at; prices from £3,595.

Both the above boats are rigged as gunter sloops with simulated clinker hulls.

Conrad Nazio — The Old School, Brundish Road, Raveningham, Norwich NR14 6NT — 0508 548675

A flat bottomed sharpie can be a very useful boat if it is well designed. The 15’ 3” x 5’ Oystercatcher which is based on the lines of a New England shell-fishing skiff is an excellent example. Whilst not intended for extensive cruising in the open sea, the camping version complete with overall boom tent should make an excellent, comfortable estuary and river cruiser. The offset pivoting centreplate allows plenty of room inside. It is available with various options of rig and layout. Built in wood using best quality materials it is priced from £2,940. The basic rig is cat yawl, lug mainsail with leg-o’-mutton mizzen. Demonstrations are usually possible in your home area.

Dorado Boats — Burnes Shipyard, Bosham, West Sussex PO18 8LJ — 0243 576333

The Dorado Twelve, 12’ 6” x 4’ 8”. This design was first produced in 1912, called the ‘A’ Class One-Design Dinghy. Now produced in simulated clinker GRP, it is available custom built to your specification. It should prove to be a lively yet stable general purpose dinghy. Prices from £2,307.08.

Topper International — Kingsnorth Technology Park, Wotton Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 6LN — 0233 629186

The Cruz 14’ 3” x 5’ 11” cat ketch Bermudian rigged, is Topper’s bid for the dayboat market. The rig comprises two Topper type sails and they claim it is reefable. Storage includes a cold box and outboard locker. There is also a canvas dodger. £3,750.

Penryn Bridge Boatyard — Eastwood Road, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 8LA — 0326 377199

Tela is a 16’ 6” gaff sloop. Unashamedly heavy displacement she carries 450 lbs of ballast but is nevertheless easily trailable. A classic GRP reproduction of an Edwardian dayboat, she has a short bowsprit and wooden spars. She can be customised to your requirements and sells for approximately £5,450.