With the continued expansion of our Engineering Department we have recruited another highly-experienced engineer – Peter Horn.
It is fair to say that Peter is a bit of a salty old sea dog! With more than 20 years sailing experience, especially in and around Greece and her islands.
He is also a fully qualified and experienced diesel engineer as well as a certified Instructor in both Sail & Power able to award internationally recognized certificates and ICCs.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Peter spent over 15 years in Kefalonia, in the stunning harbour location of Fiscardo. During the Summer months, his intimate knowledge of the local coastline, moorings and neighbouring islands enabled him to offer bespoke services to both boat owners, qualified sailors & novices alike.
Peter has worked on everything from the largest superyachts down to the smallest RIBs and plenty of sailing boats in between. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team and we look forward to a long and happy relationship!
Engineering qualifications Qualifications/City & Guilds
12 volt and 24 volt electrical systems
Compression, ignition and fuel injection equipment Diesel engines
Compressed air equipment
General technology and heavy vehiclesSailing Qualifications.
Royal Yachting Association
Commercial endorsement, Day Skipper Tidal, Day Skipper Theory, Sea Survival
First Aid
IYT (International Yacht Training)
Bareboat Instructor in both Sail and Power
M.C.A
ICC in coastal waters vessels both power & sail up to 24m or 80GT
VHF license
Sailing Qualifications
Royal Yachting Association
Commercial endorsement, Day Skipper Tidal, Day Skipper Theory, Sea Survival
First Aid
IYT (International Yacht Training)
Bareboat Instructor in both Sail and Power
M.C.A
ICC in coastal waters vessels both power & sail up to 24m or 80GT
VHF license
Hailing from St Osyth James Stacey is here primarily as a junior yard hand, helping with general yard duties as well as undersealing and preparing customer boat hulls.
Despite his age James is a very experienced sailor having just moved out of the Spitfire Class (16ft performance catamarans) as the 2017 National Champion and 2018 inland national championship. Plus, TT winner (Overall highest number of event wins)!
James has also been with Brightlingsea Sailing Club, https://www.sailbrightlingsea.comfor the last three years and has recently been promoted to Assistant Bosun having moved across from Clacton sailing club where he spent six years. He is also heavily involved in the Vampire project – an innovative foiling project run out of Brightlingsea Sailing Club https://vampire-project.com
The list of craft he has experience on is quite impressive, with just a few listed below!
Nacra 15
Spitfire
F18
Hurricane
Vampire Project
Dart 18
Dart 16
Brightlingsea One Design (BOD)
RS Feva
RS Tera
RS 500
RS 200
Topper
Laser
Weyfarer
Firefly
The annual RYA Youth National Championships is the UKís premier youth racing event. Day 3 with winds backing to the North the racing started on the Largs Channel. 160, James Stacey, Catherine Elson, Brightlingsea, Nacra 15 Open Images: Marc Turner / RYA For further information contact: Richard Aspland, RYA Racing Communications Officer (on site) E: richard.aspland@rya.org.uk m: 07469 854599
For 2019, he is moving into the F18 Class (Crews and helms) but spreads his time with helping to promote sailing at events like the Alexandra Palace RYA dinghy show, a few weekends back, representing the Nacra 15 class association trying to get new sailors involved in that class.
Sadly, James will not be here at Morgan Marine forever! He will ultimately be leaving to go to Portsmouth University to study Engineering & technology, with a view to then joining the Royal Navy in an engineering role. Something we will be wishing him the very best of luck with in future. In the meantime, do stop and say hello if you see him, wrapped up against the cold, roller in hand painting a hull somewhere in the yard!
Until now, Morgan Marine has been owned and run by the Morgan family for over 45 years. Owners Ric and Steve Morgan openly declared their intention to sell late last year and received no shortage of interest. However, they were very clear on the nature of buyer desired; “Having spent many years building the business to its current standing and responsible for employing over 15 staff as well as serving many loyal customers, we wanted to ensure that any potential new owners were looking to continue our legacy as well as move the business forwards. We are extremely pleased to introduce the Miller family as new owners of Morgan Marine”.
Graham Miller and his son Oliver have not only been keen boaters for many years but bring sound business acumen, a very high-level of technical ability, and apioneering-vigour crafted from Formula One racing. Graham has spent the last 20 years in a senior management position at Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix, the formidable five-times double-World Championship winning Formula One team. Prior to joining Morgan Marine in September last year, Oliver spent the last five years building Mercedes race cars to impeccable standards.
A controlled transition will take place from February 2019 and Ric, Steve and Gilly will continue to play a vital role in the business, albeit it on a reduced basis, for the foreseeable future. They are very much targeting a seamless transaction in the eyes of the customer.
“Oli and I have got to know Ric, Steve and Gilly really well over the past six-months as we worked together towards the end goal of sale and acquisition. We will build upon the solid foundations laid over many years, and continue to develop the business promoting sustainable future growth.
With our engineering and business background, we’ll pick the very best of certain motorsport discipline and technology and apply it to the boating environment. We are setting our sights on becoming a world class high-technology business that manifests itself in a number of different ways. In some ways, it will be hardware through the type of tooling employed. In other ways, it will be services and solutions delivered through optimised efficiency. Primarily, it will still be people with knowledge, skill and application.
Our top priority is to continue to serve our customers well, to implement the new marina proposal thereby embarking upon an exciting journey to develop the boatyard, its moorings, facilities and workshops. By continuing to invest in our agility and capability, we’ll build a platform for future success that will earn us the opportunity to remain, Best in Boating.” Graham Miller.
Customers past and present can now rest assured that with the Miller family at the helm Morgan Marine will be around for many, many years to come!
For further information, please contact:
Graham Miller 07801 673346
Jeanneau debuted for the first time the all new Merry Fisher 895 Marlin at the Paris Boat Show earlier this December.
With her clever combination of design features, for security, ergonomics and true comfort on board, both inside and out, this Merry Fisher 895 Marlin meets the most demanding of criteria. From fishing with friends, to exploring new coves or just lazing about on the water, the possibilities are endless!
Jeanneau’s new Merry Fisher 895 Marlin being launched at the Paris boatshow
With her contemporary design and distinctive personality, the new Merry Fisher 895 Marlin is ideal for taking on any adventure!
A true SUV of the seas, this new crossover features an innovative layout on board offering two cabins with 4/5 berths. The 28-foot V-shaped hull was designed to be stable and fast. Forwards, the Merry Fisher 895 Marlin has L-shaped saloon seating accessed by secured recessed side decks on the starboard side. There is easy access to the anchor and anchor locker.
Additional key features of this new model include side door access from the helm station to the starboard side deck. There is a side access gate for safe boarding, which has proved very popular on the recently launched Merry Fisher 1095. The flush aft swim platforms are easily accessible. The sliding aft bench seat with a high back can move forward allowing for the engines to be raised. The entire interior is a complete redesign on the Merry Fisher 895 Marlin
The salon has a large opening sunroof allowing for lots of natural light. The galley offers lots of storage compartments while the salon table is convertible into another berth for guests. The bench seating at the salon table can be adjusted to face forward while underway. Down below, the Merry Fisher 895 Marlin has two double cabins and a separate shower and head compartment.
This new boat is bound to prove very popular with UK buyers offering great versatility with style, speed and comfort in equal measure.
Call Morgan Marine now for further details and availability!
Morgan Marine Chandlery – Surviving Winter – A step by step guide
Dealing with Condensation
Winter sailing or living aboard over the winter months can be harsh. Thing are always made worse by the scourge of condensation. People depend on heat to survive but when that warm air comes in to contact with cold surfaces it creates condensation. This moisture in warm air settles and condenses onto cold surfaces such as windows, metal parts, sinks, fastenings and even through hulls. This in turn can affect electrics, finishes, adhesives, and allow mould and other microorganisms to start growing which can smell. It is also one of the main reasons for the development of rot in a boats wooden interior.
Here’s how it works: Warm air holds water, cold air doesn’t, but it’s wholly impractical to live on a vessel with permanently opened hatches. But it’s a fact that an unheated boat interior with open hatches would help maintain a similar moisture level with the exterior, and this would stop vapour from building in the air, and in turn condensing on cold surfaces. It would be sensible especially when cooking or showering to let the warm evaporated liquids escape as opposed to settling on interior surfaces.
One impractical and expensive option, would be to keep the on-board heating system running with some hatches constantly open so that when moisture can disperse through the openings. Surfaces would remain warm and stop any water from condensing on them. Obviously if it rains you have a secondary problem – as you don’t want rain water finding its way in!!
As any ‘warmth’ that’s trapped in a boat will always hold moisture – and all its associated problems so you need to ensure that plenty of air movement is allowed inside the boat, whether the boat is heated or not.
It’s always a good idea to remove items that can trap moisture which you don’t use regularly – fabrics, cushions, books, rugs and any clothing. If this isn’t practical consider purchasing a vacuum bag or clothes compactor. These are plastic bags with a one-way valve that can be attached to a vacuum which then sucks out all the air and moisture, ensuring that the items within remain mould and moisture free.
Essentials such as toilet paper, cloths and regularly worn clothing should be bagged and only removed when needed, so that they remain dry and reduces areas that absorb moisture. Of course it’s worth considering a dehumidifier at this stage – more of which later in this article.
Preventing Mould
Your daily routine should always include wiping down areas like the galley, head and eating tables with a mild bleach to stop the growth of bacteria and mould. This isn’t only a hygienic and comfort requirement but a health requirement too as bacteria can lead to respiratory issues.
Diluted vinegar sprayed from a bottle is always a good alternative to bleach. Leave on for a few hours, then scrub the mould with a brush. Tea Tree Oil, citrus seed extract, hydrogen peroxide or baking soda all have cleaning properties that kill mould spores. All these are worth looking at in greater detail.
The market is full of equipment that would assist living aboard through the winter. It would be a good idea to invest in a solar vent. Retailing at about £60, a solar vent is powered solely by energy from the sun, can move a substantial amount of air which in turn prevents mould, condensation, mildew, musty odours and damp, and dependent on its location avoids heat build-up at the area being ventilated.
However challenging the control of condensation proves to be, heat is essential if the boat contains equipment that would be harmed by freezing. Water tanks, hoses and batteries will all malfunction if frozen, so some form of heating on-board is crucial.
Keeping Warm
There are several heating systems designed for vessels, and these run-on diesel or electric. Electric just heats the air and therefore it’s essential to have a heater that has a fan built in. Diesel or fuel oil heaters on modern boats are more efficient but must vent outside Older diesel heating systems can also give off fumes! So any heating system must be fitted by a qualified fitter due to the real danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon Monoxide detector MUST be fitted… (less than £20 on Amazon).
There are many respected heater manufacturing brands include Ecomat, Eberspächerand Propexwith many products for sale at prices in excess of £400. The market is full of cheaper alternatives which would be an option if the budget was an issue. Oil filled radiators have modernised immensely over the years and now you can buy a decent one for around £50. They’re sealed so there’s no risk of leakage, they come with all sorts of additions such as thermostats and timers, and they’re efficient too. Propane heaters give off high moisture in their burned exhaust and have the added danger of an open flame so best avoided unless you have no alternative. One of the newer systems that Morgan Marine stock in our Chandlery are Infra-Red panels. These are a lightweight Carbon Crystal panel which project heat nicely drawing only 200watts max … Available curved or flat they are far more efficient than a convector heater and ideal for the winter.
Whatever you buy look for a weatherproof IP44 rating– for use in areas and environments where water could come into contact with the heater. This is essential for any seafaring environment. Lastly, have a backup! You need a spare or an emergency heater in case your prime source fails. Temperature on boats during the winter plummets due to the hull being in contact with near freezing water. If your heating dies, you may not have time to wait until morning or the shops open or the engineer can come out or you reach land!
Controlling Humidity
Dehumidifiers are fantastic for removing moisture but they work better in a warm boat than a cold one! There are two basic types of dehumidifier: an electric dehumidifier that needs constant power, or a chemical desiccant that collects the water in a tray, the chemical dissipates when the water is collected through it and needs to be replaced on a regular basis.
The traditional form of a dehumidifier (and one that has now been around for several decades) uses a compressor to create a cold surface inside a box. The warm moist air is drawn over this surface and as it makes contact, the moisture condenses into liquid water. This moisture is then collected in a reservoir and the dry air is pushed back out into the room. They’re cheap to buy and run and relatively low maintenance. You just need to empty out the water reservoir on a regular basis.
Wrapping Up
There is an old Norwegian saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. This applies to anyone who goes to sea or the outdoors. A sensible sailor will be dressed for all seasons including the winter, wearing multiple layers, appropriate gloves, hats and socks to protect their extremities. In the Morgan Marine chandlery, we stock a good range of extreme weather clothing as well as genuine Guernsey sweaters, thermal underwear, hats, gloves and boots. Keeping your clothes dry is essential and if drying clothes in an enclosed cabin bear in mind all the above points! It may be a good idea to find a laundrette nearby…
Search and rescue dogs converge on Morgan Marine for special training event.
Search and Rescue dogs from across the UK were in the Morgan Marine yard this weekend to put their skills to the test in a specialised training event aimed at giving – many of them – their first experience of travelling on water.
Morgan Marine have a long history with Fire & Rescue Services as we give them free, unlimited access to our yard and slipway for waterborne training purposes. This event though, which was the biggest of its kind in this country, saw 28 dogs from a variety of emergency services and from as far afield as the highlands of Scotland taking part in an intense search scenario.
Setting off from the Morgan Marine slipway in Brightlingsea, the dogs travelled via high-speed RIBs to Mersea Island, where they were then each tasked with various time sensitive searches.
In a unique opportunity to test how the animals respond to the potentially traumatic experience of boat travel, the dogs performed extremely well, locating hidden and trapped items once on the island. These varied to suit the dogs specialised field but included, blood, money, explosives and dummy/model people!
Event organiser and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Dog Handler Graham Currie said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for us to work together as emergency services and put our search and rescue dogs to the test”
“These animals are highly trained and are incredibly good at what they do: working in high pressure circumstances to be there for people who are trapped, in need of rescue or who are part of criminal investigations.”
Graham and his USAR colleagues took part in the event, many of whom have also been deployed overseas as part of their International Search and Rescue responsibilities in areas hit by natural disasters.
Morgan Marine have always strived to offer a complete service to its customers…. A short while ago we had a lovely Jeanneau Leader 805 come into the Morgan Marine Boatyard for sale on brokerage. A popular boat and competitively priced, it sold within days before even being advertised or going onto our website. We keep a database of contacts always looking for certain boats and this was one of those. The new customer was of course delighted we had been able to match his details to this boat. Following on from the sale (and before delivery) we completed a full engine service, a comprehensive PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) as well as installation of some new electronics. The boat was then freshly anti-fouled and finished off with renaming after the owner’s wife.
A few days later both Will and Sam from our workshop, who had carried out all the work, set off at 5.30 am to deliver the boat to her new home – at Brundle Bay Marina in Norfolk.
Arriving into Great Yarmouth at 9.30 am everything was going to plan, until they had to wait for two hours for the road bridge to lift! From there was a leisurely cruise along the Norfolk Broads for 20 miles where they then berthed at Brundle. The boat was given a clean, then they simply hopped on a train back to Colchester, with a taxi taking them back to Morgan Marine Brightlingsea. Arriving back just before 5pm. Mission accomplished!
Morgan Marine really can offer a comprehensive complete service for all our customers. From servicing and repairs, to electronics installation, to re-naming, slipway and pontoon services and even delivery – by sea or road. Browse across through website for further details and our entire list of services. You can find workshop services here: https://morganmarine.com/workshop-parts/ If you don’t see what you are looking for – call us. We are here to help!
Over the years, we get many varied and interesting boats into the yard for winter overhauls, or longer, for restoration. Some have great historical significance and are full of history often dating back to well over a century. Maria, a beautiful fishing smack, is just such a boat. Built by Harris Bros at Rowhedge, in 1866 for a Mr Gunn of Wivenhoe, she had a reputation for speed, primarily because she was narrower than the other smacks. This reputation gave her a charmed life. She has been abandoned twice to become a near-rotten hulk and she has been saved both times over the years. After 152 years’ she now lives in Brightlingsea, on the River Colne, this time with a very long career ahead of her, sailing and racing successfully in her home waters around the Thames Estuary.
She will be in the Morgan Marine yard until May, having a full re-paint, spars out and re-fit.
Interestingly, anyone can experience what it’s like to sail aboard Maria as she is owned by the Tall Ships Restoration Company, of which Paul Winter is a director, and will be available for charter work out of Brightlingsea at very reasonable rates- A day aboard will be like a step back in time, to the days of the Essex Smacksmen when in the early part of the 20th century, the year round battle of fishing and dredging for oysters was only broken crewing on the big racing yachts berthed around Brightlingsea during the summer months. Look at this clip to give you an idea! https://youtu.be/8doyGCt4RbY
Maria has her own website, a fantastic source of her history, up to date news, race results, blog and how to get on board! It really is a fascinating read. Please do take a look: http://ck21maria.co.uk
If you would like more information on our yard rates for storage, or to work on your own boat, please call Ric or Steve Morgan at Morgan Marine on 01206 302008. All yards are secured every evening and we have 24hr CCTV. There is also a toilet and shower block on site as well as ample parking.
We were recently lucky enough to acquire two lovely pieces of Naval history with a view to offering to our customers.
Siemens Brothers of London, Ship’s Brass Telegraph, twin hammerhead design and independent handles. Ship’s commands include: ‘Hard, Port, Steady, Course, Steady, Starboard, hand written on one head and Let Go, Slack Away, Not Clear, Make Fast, Heave In, Stop Winch’ and ‘All Clear’ on the other head. Removed from a 1940’s Royal Navy destroyer, similar to the Hunt Class Escort Destroyer shown in the first image. Very heavy and exceptional quality. A lovely piece in highly polished brass with working handles.
Also:
Aluminium fluted spot light, on stand, was originally from a German merchant navy ship, circa 1970’s. Again, very strong and heavy design. Beautifully made and a real feature for any workspace/living area. The lamp has been converted to tale a conventional bulb with inline switch.
In addition: The wooden ships wheel was ordered new by us in 1985… and has remained with us as an ornament, until now. Beautifully made and ready to be used for its intended purpose – or as an ornamental.
Some great Seafaring Memorabilia here and hopefully we will be adding to our stock over the coming months,
Available to view in the Morgan Marine shop at Waterside Marina, Brightlngsea. Due to the size, weight and nature of these items the buyer must collect. We may be able to arrange local delivery at cost. Call 01206 302008 and speak to Ric Morgan for prices and further details.
Following on from its great reception at the Southampton Boat Show, our lovely Jeanneau Leader 40 is still generating plenty of interest here at Morgan Marine.
Leader 40 in our 30 ton boat hoist… carefully taken off the low loader
She is truly a beauty, both on and off the water, as these images and video from our brief trial show – we needed to turn her around in the hoist and a quick system check seemed in order as well. Ric Morgan reported excellent visibility and manners out on the water and we quote, “it’s my favourite Jeanneau model to date” high praise indeed!
… then gently into the water from our private slipwayEngineers Will and Sam couldn’t wait to come over for a look – and help with the lines!
This is a stunning Sport top version with electric sliding roof and nearly £100k of factory fitted extras – yes, you read that correctly: Two cabin layout plus permanent aft sun deck, Trim Level Premiere, Comfort Pack (electric toilet, upgraded galley etc), cockpit aft closing kit, front sundeck, bow thruster and air conditioning. Complete with a full suite of Raymarine electronics including autopilot, AIS and shore power. The list goes on and on!
Looking stunning when out on the water…Back in after just a few minutes – it is new after all!Gently back on the slings
Finally, carefully pressure washed off, then polished.Then pride of place outside the office and chandlery. What a stunner!
In addition, as a special offer for this, we are offering up top SIX free life jackets well as a full RYA training course. This is in addition to our already comprehensive on-the-water handover package.
Graham, Oli, Ric or Steve would be more than happy to discuss the Leader 40 in more detail to interested parties, including competitive finance, possible part exchanges and moorings/storage… Viewing available seven days a week. Just call 01206 302008.
