Banks-Martin Beaulieu 30 Inboard Diesel for sale in Reading United Kingdom

Banks-Martin may be a new name in boat-building but the company’s two directors have a background in iconic British boat brands, such as Sealine. Now based in Kidderminster, the business is looking to build on the traditions of the past while introducing a higher standard of craft to the inland industry. The Beaulieu 30 is the first of its range of boats aimed at river cruising in the UK. Tingdene Boat sales have taken on the retailing from all 9 of their offices as the Banks Martin 30 and other planned models fill the gap between Viking River Cruises and Cranchi Yachts already both Retailed by Tingdene.

The Beaulieu takes its name from the alternative spelling of nearby Bewdley on the River Severn.

At first glance the boat appears much bigger than its just-under 30ft length would suggest, and it certainly looks far more refined and modern than many of the surrounding GRP cruisers on the river – most of which are based on designs produced 30 years or more ago.

The Beaulieu has a low-wash semi-displacement hull, unlike many comparative cruisers that have a planing hull, which isn’t ideal for low-speed cruising

This example was built as the display boat in 2019 and is to be replaced in 2022 so is now available for purchase to an exceptional specification which includes:- Bow thruster, Diesel on board generator, All electric galley, Large shower compartment, 5 berth accommodation, Simulated Teak decks, LED TV to list a few of the options fitted

Deck

As the side decks are far higher than typical steel wide-beam craft, you are more likely to reach them from the bathing platform than trying a direct climb from the bank.

There are guardrails to help keep you safe, especially for deck work in choppier waters.

They also provide useful points to hang fenders from, rather than fixed cleats, so you can position them exactly where they are needed – as with any GRP boat, careful use of fenders is essential for mooring and locks. 

The rear cockpit and bathing platform provide an excellent place to cruise and socialise.

The systems without having to fumble around in an engine bay .Also, there is a small stainless steel sink complete with pull-out shower faucet, so you can easily wash your hands–and rinse off the dog (or maybe even shower after you have gone for a swimming some on the more appealing European waterways).The teak decking inlay is hardwearing and very attractive, while the whole area can be hosed down to keep the white gloss GRP clean, as even the cushions are waterproof.

Deck

As the side decks are far higher than typical steel wide-beam craft, you are more likely to reach them from the bathing platform than trying a direct climb from the bank. There are guardrails to help keep you safe ,especially fordeck work in choppier waters.

They also provide useful points to hang fenders from, rather than fixed cleats, so you can position them exactly where they are needed – as with any GRP boat, careful use of fenders is essential for mooring and locks.

Cockpit

This is a social river-boat, with the cockpit at its heart. A full- width bathing platform gives very easy access from a pontoon when moored stern on and, as it is deep, also provides the easiest way to board from a bank. The hull sides themselves are quite high, which adds to the visible bulk of the boat. The bathing platform has a moulded step each side to get up onto the side decks. There is a shallow single step up into the cockpit, to starboard of a large bench seat.

The cockpit feels massive, given the compact overall size of the boat. The aft bench seat has a large locker underneath, and its back can swiftly be reversed so that you can sit facing aft – with the broad expanse of the bathing platform before you, plus good handholds to give a sense of security. There is a second settee to starboard, opposite the raised helm to port.

The cockpit of this model has a fixed wheelhouse with a rollable/ removable aft canopy covering the rear part. This gives the boat an air draught of around 8ft

However, the broad wheelhouse roof, with full standing headroom under, has two fixed, tinted sunroofs, which keep the space bright. At night, excellent integrated strips of LED give broad, bright illumination.

On the outside, two integrated solar panels ensure the domestic and engine batteries are kept topped up when the boat is not in use.

As you enter the cockpit from the aft platform, there is, very sensibly, a plexiglass and stainless steel gate that closes off the cockpit, making it safe for young children and dogs. Housed in a small locker right by the gate are the battery master switches, so on boarding you can activate the systems without having to fumble around in an engine bay. Also, there is a small stainless steel sink complete with pull-out shower faucet, so you can easily wash your hands – and rinse off the dog (or maybe even shower after you have gone for a swim on some on the more appealing European waterways). The teak decking inlay is hardwearing and very attractive, while the whole area can be hosed down to keep the white gloss GRP clean, as even the cushions are waterproof.

Cabin

This Beaulieu 30 has a single cabin, though as it is a semi- bespoke craft, there are a number of different layouts available on made to order craft.

The big TV on the sideboard, and the wrap laminates on the cupboard's of wide steps. It is at this point you realise that the fitting of the interior is quite unlike any other inland cruiser. There is a real sense of spaciousness – again, it is difficult to believe that it’s only a 30ft boat with a 9ft beam. The headroom inside is well over 6ft 3in.

Large windows allow light to flood in, with attractive horizontal blinds in aluminium rather than curtains, to dim the interior. There are also two massive sunroof panels, which open at the touch of a button, with a further glazed emergency escape hatch in the forward part of the roof.

The sunroof has a concertina fabric blind for use at night, while a thin mirror, under deck level across the bow, adds to the apparent depth.

The combined effect of all the glazing is a very bright interior without being stark. This is helped by the choice of cream carpet, which goes well with the half-height wardrobe and internal shelving in the cabin.

The aft seat can have the backrest flipped for a good view astern .the dark colour of the cabinetry, the cabin sides and roof are lined with padded cream vinyl, which is soft to the touch and adds a layer of insulation, muting sound as well as acting as a thermal barrier. Some very attractive wall lights give great indirect illumination, in addition to the high-level integrated LED strips and low-level lighting. Unusually, the multiple mains electric sockets throughout have both UK and Euro sockets at the owner’s request – a pragmatic choice for a boat that may cruise overseas.

Seating and sleeping
The layout that means five people could easily sprawl out in the cabin and all manage to dine around the large table contained between the a large double forward. The table is on a single, height-adjustable pedestal and is incredibly sturdy. converting to a  double berth to port. Further aft, a separate single berth is accommodated to starboard.

Entertainment
Opposite the seating is a large, low-level cupboard designed to accommodate a sizeable TV facing the sofa  The units themselves have their ply carcasses and doors wrapped in the most superb laminate.

Addittional Inventory On This Vessel

• 75 Hp Volvo Diesel
• 4 KVA Generator
• Antifouling
• Cockpit sink with pull out shower
• Canopy
• Full stainless steel pulpit
• Tec deck to cockpit and side decks
• Premium grade interior wood
• Blinds to windows
• Aft cabin single
• Entertainment cabinet
• Hob upgrade to electric induction
• electric oven
• Chais lounge to port
• Rain shower
• Fresh Water Flush toilet to holding tank
• LED TV
• Speed & depth
• Raymarine Axiom 9" chart potter
• Webasto cabin sliding roof
• Additional opening window
• Bowthruster
• Elec anchor winch
• Stainless steel Anchor
• Signwriting