a post sea trials update -
Finally got everything (well almost) done, close enough to go fishing. early on I talked about, and showed, how the forward bulhead had cracked out the tabbing, here's the repair - turned out to be very significant -
Also got all the basic fishability improvements done - the boat can work a six rod spread now - not that I can handle that when fishing solo, but I have the gear to do it
First trip out, just did southern CCB, fingers and Billingsgate - some good chop over there - I immediately noticed that the forward bulhead repair really tightened the boat up - a real improvement over the looseness I felt last year - everybody with a Seafari needs to check this.
Second trip out, last friday, the morning was calm, so I headed up to Stellwagen SWC. The stiffener plates for the outrigger mounts definitely did the job, those work solid. Hooked, but lost, one fish. saw tuna on the surface which made me doubt that even the Senator 114's were adequate - these were BIG fish. Spent some time over by Peaked Hill Bar, around the backside, and then decided to go home around 2pm - thought I'd fish my way down the Bay..... NOT.
came around Race Point, straight into a very strong SW breeze, that obviously had been working awhile. For myself, and another fellow from reel-time, we fought 6 footers all the way down the bay - took me over three hours from Race Point to Sandwich.
The Seacraft can do it. She was solid as a rock, all the way. I'm just not sure I can. Felt like I was doing a personal re-enactment of the Perfect Storm movie. Had blisters on my right hand fingers from gripping the wheel so tight, for so long.
Time, for a time out.
Bill