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Tiddler goes to Wareham. Friday was another scorcher so we decided not to waste it. We launched at 2:30 ish and headed up the Wareham channel. With a 12 mph easterly and only a 13 foot boat I thought that going outside the harbour was probably not a good idea. ( I did point out that if we had a Barracuda it would be fine ) We headed towards Wareham at a leisurely pace. When we reached the river entrance we were plagued by biting, blood sucking flies. I looked on line and thought they looked like Blandford Flies but we've not come up in lumps so probably not ! We got to the quay, lowered the rod tubes and carried on up stream . . . . . Past everyone's favourite big house. We went all the way to the bypass before turning back. We stopped at the quay and Jacqui bought us an ice cream. When we left we were against the breeze so no problem with flies. After a while I nagged at Jacqui to take the helm ( she's done the level 2 ) but with it being so rare that we go out she loses her confidence. We went outside of the harbour and although it wasn't a problem for Tiddler it just makes it uncomfortable so we turned back. Jacqui was in charge until we were nearly back to the launching area and it got very busy. We had no rods with us so it was just a " Jolly " And very nice it was too.

A number of people have lost anchors in the Poole patch area (me included! - a long time ago) It is much safer to anchor away from the rocks and let out anchor warp and let the tide take you over the rocks. Many different species inhabit the rocks and also the area surrounding them - so it is not necessary to drop your anchor right on top of them.

As other say its always a compromise to get the best for your requirements, and believe me as family grow these do change. The main reason why I have built my last two boats the Duver 23 we had for 15 years and was a great fishing boat for the family. like a little charter boat lots of fishing room, but only one bunk, no toilet and two ring hob made it day trips only and more like camping. When we upgraded I was looking at Rodmans but they were bigger but lacking in some departments. The boys and I wanted plenty of room to fish and a bit more speed, Wendy on the other hand wanted a bit of comfort, a toilet and a proper galley. so we opted for the 30ft Offshore Pro charter, with long wheelhouse outside has 110 square feet of fishing space and the internal layout designed by me with a lot of discussion with my family Double bed in forward cabin, with bench seating Full standing toilet space with shower [shower used once in 10 years] Full size and gimbelled oven. Hot and cold running water to sink and shower crew seating and table. It took a long time to build her, but we consider it worth it, having now had her for over 10 years she still fits what we need. and has had only a few modifications. Breaksea boats do a very similar design. Charlie

Currently my dad and I have a Merry Fisher 805. It's been a good boat with plenty of creature comforts but it does have its drawbacks when it comes to fishing. The biggest limitations I find are -Lack of fishing space on deck. It's 'ok' for 2 but my son (6) is getting into fishing and I keep having to find excuses why we all can't fish at the same time. -It's a bit slow. I know that it's all relative but we often find ourselves cruising at 13 as anymore gets a little noisy and uncomfortable over a longer period. We tend to have shorter sessions of around 6 hours total and having the ability to get places at 20 knots would really increase the time with bait in the water and open up new marks. -The MF805 is great for family and fishing but there's probably a little too much berth space down below that is a little wasted for our needs. With that in mind (and I blame this forum) I have spent the weekend purring over Barracuda 9s. Much more outside space to fish, certainly faster (and costlier) but my big head scratcher is the internal space. I think it will be ok but that could be rose tinted new boat glasses speaking. We are a max of 2 adults one very small adult (the Mrs) and 2 kids. Looks like 4 can sit comfortably on the 9 with the lower berth still there all be it smaller than on the MF. Most of the time there is only 3 sat down anyway as rods are being set up/packed away, kids are playing in the berth etc. Im waffling to myself but I guess what I'm looking for is advice and opinions about making a switch. Anyone have experience of the Barracuda range or has anyone made the switch from cruiser to this kind of boat and care to share their experiences?

Thanks for all the replies. We don't stay on the 805 overnight, it's a day boat with room for kids to muck around on which is why it feels a little one sided. The galley is a fairly big thing, the Mrs likes cooking on board and although she says she will prepare food before we go, it will be somewhat missed. We looked at Rodmans but plumped for the 805, yes they have more space but you don't half pay for that in purchase price and running costs. The same sort of cash gets you a much newer 805 or Bararacuda 9 which although is not the be all and end all, it is a factor for me. The sun is out and that's probably making me think of boats and dreaming of what ifs. I'm going to pop in to see a local(ish) one tomorrow just to get it out of my system.

Do you over night on your 805 or is it just a fishing platform with a cabin ? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk