Leaderboard

Launched !! After a few issues with the cable adjustment ( would not select forward on gearbox) I managed to go up and down the river a few times, tide up to a mooring buoy and set up the carbs, not easy but all now seems perfect ,. The auxiliary engine also needed a bit of fettling , at least I know that works should it be needed. Will I get my first fish today from my new boat ?? . Many things learned about old outboards ; they may run in a tank or on muffs but that means nothing, put them under load , it's the only way. There is a point when a old outboard is scrap, set yourself a budget and stick to it . Old two strokes are increasing in value ( !!!!!!!!!) compression test first , if that's not perfect walk away . Make sure it will select gears, check for spark. As a rule of thumb if you buy a old outboard for £1000 expect to spend that amount again to get it perfect. Old outboards take far longer to service , every nut or bolt could be seized , many professional mechanics won't work on old engines, a full days labour (£45.00 per hour plus parts ) seems the norm. So would I do it again ? simple answer NO , I simply don't have the time or energy . I only bought this boat as the hull is brilliant, one day she will have a nice new ( ish ) engine . See you all soon

I went to the zoo yesterday and saw a baguette in a cage. The zookeeper told me it was bread in captivity.

GO FISHING, SOON

January First Place Dave Lynes Spurdog 20 lb 167% Specimen Second Place Kev Couzens Spurdog 19 lb 12 oz 165% Specimen Third Place Dave Lynes Spurdog 19 lb 8 oz 163% Specimen February First Place Allan Green Three Bearded Rockling 1 lb 5oz 88% Specimen (club record) Second Place Allan Green Whiting 1 lb 12 oz 50% Specimen March First Place Colin Francis Spurdog 20 lb 4 oz 169% Specimen Second Place Allen Green Spurdog 13 lb 108% Specimen Second Place Dave Lynes Spurdog 13 lb 108% Specimen April First Place Alun Jones Black Bream 5 lb 3 oz 148% Specimen Second Place Alun Jones Black Bream 3 lb 15 oz 113% Specimen Third Place Alun Jones Black Bream 3 lb 14 oz 111% Specimen May First Place Dave Evans Brill 8 lb 2 oz 163% Specimen Second Place Alun Jones Garfish 1 lb 14 oz 150% Specimen Third Place Jerry Shutter Cuckoo Wrasse 1 lb 12 oz 140% Specimen June First Place Mike Bennet Bass 14 lb 8 oz 153% Specimen Second Place Allan Green Bass 12 lb 8 oz 132% Specimen Third Place Rob Samways Tub Gurnard 4 lb 8 oz 129% Specimen (club record) July First Place Dave Lynes Allis Shad 2 lb 2 oz 153% Specimen (club record) Second Place Dave Lynes Undulate Ray 18 lb 4 oz 130% Specimen Third Place Dave Starr Thornback Ray 14 lb 8 oz 108% Specimen

Mostly excellent news, congrats on getting her going, i bet we could have seen your smile from Poole 😁 now go on and enjoy youself

It happened, Doombar has her first fish ! FIrst drop using small Sabikis, three bass, all retuned, the mackeral were thicker than soup ! Big bait down produced a nice Gurnard followed by a nice little spotty . Time was limited as I'm not confident in the engine yet ( still goes lumpy when pushed then drops onto two cylinders, could only be a coil ) Anchored up opposite the old coast guard hut , it was very snotty and bumpy out for the whole day. One slight disappointment, the old Shetland was far better getting over the ledge , I will get used to the slamming in time or it could be I haven't got my sea legs adjusted. This weekend looks pretty good so far , only saw one other boat out today, ( charter) but not going to push my luck to push a little further out until some confidence returns.

Well done Hooky, thoroughly deserved after all that hard work,stay safe and tight lines😜

It's looking good the weekend Jim..............

What do you call a Mexican streaker ? . . . . . . . . . . Say it in a Mexican voice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Seen your Willy.

As a non Marine Engineer you have done a great Job mate. WELL DONE YOU. I am one and feel justified to make that comment, I simply do not have time to take on these type of tasks any more, but know from past experience how difficult and time consuming it can be. Having saved a Yamaha 60 2 stroke with knackered main bearings, I hope that yours runs as well as that one did after all the work required.

If all goes well . . . . . . . when you get back . . . get someone to take a photo of the grin on your face whilst standing in front of the boat. If no one about it'll have to be a selfie

A result at last Well done Hooky Make sure you enjoy the fruits of your labour

If anyone is interested the RNLI Poole Lifeboat station by the old town bridge has its open day on Sunday 5th August starts at 11am until 5pm Water demos, BBQ, raffle and "have a go stalls" A good family event Everyone is welcome Dave

Fingers and everything else crossed for you Hooky

The ups and downs of life (sigh) looked like this boat would have to be sold , endless hours wasted, it has been a bad year I had lost it , fishing was of little meaning or interest , despite loads of support from my friends ( you know who you are chaps ) . The weather has been brilliant these last weeks, one thing that kept me (slightly ) sane was sitting down by baiter park and watching others having fun. At last I could book a few days off work , just maybe one last go to see if I could get the carburettors on, get the battery charged and then if it didn't work at least I tried my best. New oil in tank , fresh fuel and she started first time , didn't know wether to or .. After making the huge decision to also fit new bearings to the trailer, sorting out all those loads of little jobs that needed doing she's sat ready to go for a maiden launch in the next few days. I had to let my Christchurch mooring go , so once again a huge thanks to Darvester as he is not using his for the rest of the season, if all goes well on her first run out she will now have a temporary home . Even if I get a run up the river ( yes the auxiliary runs ok) IT will be a positive outcome. COme on weather. , let the winds drop , who knows I might even get out to catch my first fish of the season !!!