THIS SATURDAY I SPLASH THE BOAT

[FELLOW-SHIP]

WELL IT HAS BEEN A LONG LONG HALL BUT SAT I WILL BE PUTTING MY BOAT IN THE WATER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE FLORIDA KEYS. (OH HAPPY DAYS) THIS WEEK I PICKED UP THE BOAT WITH MY NEW 225 YAMAHA ON THE BACK PLUS I PICKED UP NEW T-TOP AND NEW LEANING POST. I INSTALLED THE T-TOP AND LEANING POST PULLED WIRE AND ATTACHED THE CENTER CONSOL DOOR. PLUS 8 LEE ROD HOLDERS, OUT RIGGERS, RUNNING LIGHTS, FLOOD LIGHTS, TWO ANTENNA’S, SPEAKERS, A FRESH WATER TANK & PUMP FOR IT AND GOD KNOWS WHAT ELSE. THIS WEEK I WILL INSTALL THE WINDOW SHIELD AND DRINK HOLDER CONNECT A BUNCH OF WIRES, TO SWITCHES AND SEE IF EVERYTHING WORKS. I WILL HAVE TO DO SEA TRIALS AND BREAK IN THE MOTOR DOWN THERE. (I HOPE IT DOESN’T SINK) MAYBE I WILL DROP IT IN THE WATER FOR A FEW MINUTES THIS WEEK JUST TO CHECK THE THROUGH HULL FITTINGS AND PUT THE MOTOR IN GEAR JUST TO MAKE SURE IT WORKS. I WILL TAKE A FEW PICTURES HOPEFULLY WITH A FEW FISH IN THE FORE GROUND OF THE ALMOST FINISHED PROJECT. I STILL WILL HAVE A LOT OF OTHER STUFF TO DO OVER THEN NEXT FEW MONTHS, BUT IT LEAST I WILL BE DOING THAT TYPE OF WORK BETWEEN FISHING TRIPS. I FIGURE I HAVE PUT APPROX. 150 DAYS INTO THE BOAT AND A LITTLE OVER $30 GRAND. I WILL DO A FINAL TALLY AFTER I CATCH A FEW BIG DOLPHIN AND A COUPLE OF SAIL FISH. THAT WAY IT WON’T HEART SO MUCH. THIS IS NO JOB FOR THE FAINT OF HEART I GUESS THAT’S WHY THIS SITE HAS BEEN SO POPULAR WITH REAL DIE HARTS BOAT LOVERS. FOR YOU GUYS THAT ARE JUST STARTING OR IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR PROJECT I JUST WANT TO SAY THERE IS A LIGHT HOUSE AT THE END OF YOUR FOG BANK JUST KEEP ON ROWING ONE WEEK AT A TIME.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[John R]

'Grats Fellowship.

I have a name suggestion for the boat though, how about "cAPS lOCK"? hEHEEHE... Just kiddin'

You should definitely do a quick trial run for at least the most basic needed equipment before you leave the house. I don't know how many tools you'll bring down for the Shakedown Week but I can guarantee you the simple tool you'll need will be in your garage when you're down on the Keys...

Are you still going to be in the shoot for the maggie?

Best of luck to you!

[capesams]

Fellowship:

THAT'S great news, I remember my first ride. AH... don't forget the PLUG. Can't wait to see a pic. of the boat when it's all done. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

steve

[Scott]

Fellow-Ship

LETS HEAR ALL ABOUT IT !!!!!!!!!!!!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[FELLOW-SHIP]

HA SCOTT
WELL I FINALLY GOT INTO THE WATER SPLASHED THE BOAT LATE LAST SATURDAY. I WORKED ON IT ALL THE WAY UP TO 1 IN THE AFTERNOON ON SATURDAY JUST TO GET IT IN EXPECTABLE CONDITION. I HAD 0 HRS ON THE MOTOR JUST STARTED IT IN THE CANNEL FOR A FEW MINUTES TO CONFIRM IT WOULD START AND GO INTO GEAR ON FRIDAY. THE DEALER SAID NO MORE THE 3,000 RPM’S WELL 3,000 RPM’S WAS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO GET THE BOAT ON PLANE I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT. BECAUSE OF THE VARIABLE DEAD RISE AND THE LARGE CHINE’S ON SEACRAFT ALONG WITH ONE ENGINE AND TRIM TABS WE WERE ON PLAIN AND RIDING NICE. AS THE HR METER CLICKED ON I WAS ABLE TO INCREASE THE SPEED. IT SEEMS THAT AROUND 3,600 TO 4,000 RPM’S IS THE BEST FOR MY BOAT. THAT PUTS THE SPEED BETWEEN 25 AND 30 MPH ON THE GPS. I DID KICK IT IN THE BUTT JUST TO CONFIRM I COULD BRING IT UP TO 5,200 RPM’S TO CONFIRM THE PROP WAS CORRECT FOR THE MOTOR BUT DIDN’T LEAVE IT LONG ENOUGH TO CONFIRM ANY ACCURATE SPEED AT THAT RPM. WE HAD ALL TYPES OF SEA CONDITIONS FROM FLAT ONE DAY TO 3-5 ON ANOTHER IT SEEMS THAT THE BOAT LIKES SOME WAVES UNDER IT TO GET SOME AIR UNDER THE HULL. I THINK IT WILL RIDE BEST IN 1-3 OR 2-4 RUNNING AT AROUND 3,800 RPM’S. WITH ALL THE WEIGHT RE DISTRIBUTION I DID I REALLY DON’T NEED TRIM TABS IN MILD SEA CONDITIONS OTHER THAN STABILIZING PORT AND STARBOARD IN A LEVEL RIDE. THE ONLY OTHER BOAT I HAVE HAD THAT TYPE OF RIDE IN WAS A 27’ CONCH THAN SEEMED THAT FLAT SEAS WERE TO NICE OF CONDITION FOR IT AS WELL. WE RAN THE BOAT OUT TO ABOUT 25 MILES OFF SHORE EVERY DAY LOOKING FOR DOLPHIN WE GOT ONE IN THE LOW 30 LBS. BUT MOST WERE SMALL. WE ALSO GOT A COUPLE OF BLACK FIN TUNE ONE ABOUT 20 LBS. THIS IS A DRY BOAT IN 3-5 ‘ SEAS WE DID NOT TAKE ANY WAVES OVER THE BOW NOT ONE. WE DID GET A LITTLE SPRAY ON ONE WAVE BECAUSE OF THE WIND BLEW IT BACK AND PUT A LITTLE SPRAY ON THE WINDOW SHIELD. THE 30” TRANSOM IS GREAT NO WATER IN WHEN DRIFTING. THE SCUPPERS WORK GREAT NO WATER COMING IN THEM EITHER UNLESS YOU PUT TOO MANY PEOPLE ON TOP OF ONE FOR A LONG TIME. TRANSDUCER TRACKS THE BOTTOM AT 30 + MPH I LIKE THAT T-TOP AND LEANING POST JUST FINE THERE IS LOTS OF SPACE IN THE BACK FOR FISHING SINCE I CUSTOMIZED THE SPLASH WELL. THE LIVE WELL WORKS GREAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO TURN ON THE PUMP WHEN RUNNING OR TROLLING . THE ONLY TIME YOU DO IS WHEN YOU ARE DRIFTING. THE TANK IS 32 GAL. I HAD 100 LIVE BAIT IN IT NO PROBLEM. I DO NEED A BIGGER NET NOW TO CATCH THE BAIT THEY CAN REALLY ZIP AROUND THE WELL PRETTY FAST. THERE IS NOTHING I WOULD CHANGE I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE SET UP. THE ONLY MINOR PROBLEM I HAD IS A HAIR LINE CRACK WHERE THE DECK (SPLASH WELL AND THE TRANSOM CONNECT). HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STRENGTH OF THE TRANSOM JUST HOW I BUTTED THE TWO TOGETHER. I SHOULD HAVE RAN A PIECE OF GLASS UP FROM THE DECK TO THE TOP OF THE TRANSOM INSTEAD OF CONNECTION THEM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SPLASH WELL.
I TOOK A FEW PICTURES AND WILL SEND THEM IN, I WILL BE GETTING A DIGITAL CAMERA SOON AND THEN YOU WILL GET SOME GOOD SHOTS. I STILL HAVE SOME THINGS TO DO BUT THE BIG STUFF IN DONE AND I NOW CAN CHOOSE TO FISH OR WORK ON THE BOAT I LIKE THAT A LOT BETTER. I DIDN’T LIKE THAT TIME CRUNCH I HAD AT THE END TO MUCH PRESSURE TRYING TO FINISH UP FOR THE TRIP. NOW I CAN GO BACK TO A BETTER PACK TO FINISH UP WHERE I LEFT OFF.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Scott]

That’s Great and real happy for you!!!! Glad you were able to “christen” the boat with the Dolphin and Tuna [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

I’m glad you can finally reap the rewards for all the sweat and tears. Can't wait to see some of your pics……

Hey who am I gonna talk to about painting the boat now???? Hope you took good notes …. I’m sure I’ll need them [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[capesams]

TIS a GRAND thing you have done my friend.

The king of the hi-sea's lives on.

MAY no man put you under, for you have done a great deed.

NOW go an catch some more FISH [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Reel Smoker]

Congrats Fellowship I know the feeling. I know what you mean these boats need some chop under them they ride much better .On calm days they seem to stick to the water.I really like the 27 Conchs,How long did you own it and how does it compare to the Seacraft been longer the ride is probably better but how much better in your opinion.Is your boat a 23 or 20? What part of the Keys did you go to,I might of seen your boat on the road or on the water. RS.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

HA REAL SMOKER
THE 27’ CONCH WAS A FRIEND OF MINE THAT USE TO KEEP IN THERE IN KEY WEST AT OCEAN SIDE MARINA. I DON’T THINK YOU CAN COMPARE A 27’ BOAT AND A 23’ BOAT TOGETHER. BUT IN MY OPINION THE 23’ SEACRAFT IS THE BEST RIDING AND LAID OUT 23’ BOAT ON THE MARKET THEN AND NOW. THE RIDE IS GREAT AND WE ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT A ONE ENGINE TRAILER BOAT. THE CONCH IS ANOTHER GREAT BOAT FOR WHAT IT IS A 27’ OPEN FISH. YOU CAN RUN IN BIG SEAS AND KEEP DRY WITH TONS OF SPACE, I LOVE THEIR LIVE WELL IN FACT EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM BUT MORE BOAT THAT WHIT I NEED AS A WEEK END WARRIOR. WE GO DOWN TO ISLAMORADA EVERY YEAR AND STAY AT COLUSA COVE. NICE FACILITIES AND EVERYTHING YOU WANT THERE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. I USUALLY WILL GO DOWN TO KEY WEST FOR THE SNAPPER ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR. BUT FOR THE MOST PART I FISH OUT OF MIAMI. THERE IS PLENTY OF LIVE BAIT AND STILL CAN CATCH FISH SOUTH OF GOVERNMENT CUT.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Reel Smoker]

Fellowship,I know the 27 Conch is a hell of a boat. That is the only boat that might replace my Seacraft but then again you need twins to really push that beast.I agree the Seacraft 23 is the best single motor boat out there and like you its all the boat I need. Thats were I see the Conchs at Ocean side marina,theirs 3 or 4 there now.Talking about snappers the spawning season just began for them I'm going out as soon as these thuderstorms weve been getting dissapear, thats about the only time I go fishing at night when the snappers are spawning.When I replaced my transom and put the livewell in the stern I put in a small dome light to keep track of the bait at night,Im anxious to pack the livewell and see them swim at night.RS.