Depends how you define
best and
value, and whether you apply the terms to a beekeeper's reluctant pocket or to 40 years of efficient use by future residents.
The BOAB has several sub-optimal features:
1 The OMF is unnecessary and you can make a floor easily. Better still, make a UFE floor to
JBM or
BMH spec.
2 An OMF insert is a waste of plastic as it's an ineffective tool for estimating infestation
3 A plastic QX is an inefficient tool as it sits on top bars and squashes bees. In response to the lack of bee space, the QX will be propolised and bonded with wax and the resulting mess will leak heat (see 5) and need regular cleaning
4 Frames (seconds) and foundation are cheaper when bought in bulk, which you will need
5 The thin crownboard is thermally inefficient and has two Porter/feed holes which (unless sealed) leak more heat. When used with an OMF the resulting chimney will waste even more nest heat through the ventilated roof. Bees must compensate for this poor design by working harder, so ageing faster and consuming more stores in order to maintain optimal nest warmth and humidity
6 Porter bee escapes are an inefficient method to clear bees
7 A ventilated roof will leak heat continually (see 5)
8 Booklet is unnecessary as Thorne assembly instructions are online
A better option would be to use Abelo 11-frame poly National which is a far more thermally efficient system. Thermal efficiency leads to about 15% more honey which you can sell to recoup your investment above the cost of a BOAB hive. Check
Dorset local honey prices and see how quickly you will be ahead.
Abelo route
Abelo 11-frame BB, 2 x 11-frame supers, Ashforth feeder, roof: £181.90
Framed SS QX from
Caddon sale £12
50 x seconds
SN4 Maisemore frames £1.58 each inc del
50 x seconds
DN4 Maisemore frames £15.8 inc del
50 x
DN Abelo wax £1.38/sheet
50 x
SN Abelo unwired wax £0.77/sheet
£254.10 for comparative costing with BOAB
Note: dummy board, crownboard and Porters are not needed with the Abelo system: the boxes take 11 Hoffmans with enough wriggle room but no slop, the Ashforth is on all year as an insulated CB, and shaking bees from a super takes about 3 minutes. All Abelo 11-frame kit is compatible with wood National.
What will the beekeeper gain from spending an extra £64.10?
1 No labour spent making boxes
2 Pleasure of making a UFE, which will deter wasps and rodent attack
3 No Porters to store & clean
4 No dummy boards to store & clean
5 No thin CB to store & clean
6 No need to store and transport a feeder
7 15% more honey due to thermal efficiency
What will the bees gain when the beekeeper spends an extra £64.10?
1 Greater efficiency of thermal & humidity modulation leading to less expenditure of energy & stores, longer bee life and increased honey yield
2 No top ventilation (see 1)
3 Easier nest defence courtesy of a UFE
You may well ask: why do suppliers sell outdated and unnecessary kit? The answer is that UK beekeeping is a sleeping sloth snoring soundly in the 19th century, and that long-established suppliers are reluctant to invest and embrace new hive management methods and materials. The equivalent, perhaps, of you cycling to work tomorrow on a penny farthing.
Final thought: £64.10 is equivalent to 9 jars of 340g Dorset honey sold @ £7 each.
