1975 18' sf

[dave s]

Forgot to update this thread!
Finished her up in early 2019, glassed in the hatches, added a Pilot house with Wynne glass Windows, and painted it.
Then the big money for the motor-200AP Suzuki, hydraulic steering, Bennett Bolt electric tabs, BocaTech switches, wiring, lights, vhf, dual Garmin 1042xsv, GemLux thru hulls, steering wheel, rodholders, and lots more.
She rides well esp. loaded down for offshore. Needs some tab most of the time
Top speed 45, cruises about 30 at 4000 rpm, 4.0-4.5 mpg, depending on conditions.
When it gets sloppy can still run 14-18 mph.
Been Swording 25 miles out a few times and deepdropping quite a bit.
She handles well offshore, but with the wind and rough seas lately, a bigger hull would be better.
Also I’ve been exploring the inshore fishery here in the St. Lucie Inlet area.
I’m obsessed with Snook.
The boats high sides, and Pilot house creates a lot of windage, so it drifts quickly off spots. I'll need to add a trolling motor next.
Also it drafts a bit more than a dedicated bay boat, so tough to get in really shallow.
Who knew when I built this boat I’d be fishing inshore so much? Shoulda made it into a bay boat!

[dave s]

Will add more as I can.
Anybody want to see anything in particular, let me know; I got a lot more pics.

[dave s]

More pics.

[dave s]

Hard to find fish pics w boat.

[steel686]

Dave - Great to see the updates. I found a lot of inspiration for my 75 from the early days of your build and then found it on THT. That is a hearty rig. Wish I was close enough for a sea trial. Nice to see you and your family enjoying it. Nice looking snook.