Adam F

Well done that man!! Was that the boat I saw on Boats and Outboards a few weeks ago? I thought of you when I saw it! Try here: http://www.craysidemarine.co.uk/ Go to the Sales tab at the top, then down to Trailers...there are 2 that may be suitable. Have you considered a new one? Im not sure what your budget is, but I rekon a 2nd hand one will set you back about 500-700 quid, whereas you could buy a brand new Indespension Rollercoaster for

Jamma, I know what you mean. A tip that was given to me is as follows. Before you start to motor forward to retreave the anchor - give the boat a decent whack of reverse with opposite lock - this has the effect of stretching the warp a couple of feet and bringing the buff infront of the boat on the correct side. Next step is to swiftly turn the wheel opposite lock again and begin to motor forward, this has the desired effect and the bouy comes neatly alongside the boat. It works everytime for me, and saves having loads of complicated steel rings etc. Adam

Could it be? Havent heard from Ziplex for a while....now I see a brand new Samuari with a Touhatsi engine for sale in Bristol.... Coinsidence?? http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F54679/

I have produced a factsheet for this years Alderney Trip, I have emailed it all all who are going, but if I have missed you or you fancy filling the last place and what to know the details, let me know. Adam

What type of groundbait is it? How much? In what Quants?

Just been reading some catch reports on Deepsea and notice that while we are moaning about the lack of fish, the cold, the weather and the fact the cod are gone, the whiting almost have and all is left are doggies and pout.....the weymouth boys are still catching bass from the race and turbot on the shambles!!!! Why is this? Weymouth consistantly seems to be produce fish not seen past St Albans...it is almost sub-tropical. Bass fishing in December - Bob and I were catching mackerel!.....is there an explination?

Well, it looks as though Peter has done a stirling job - just checked Deepsea and saw that Tiger Lilly 5 is almost ready to go.....ready for our Aldnerney trip in May! http://www.deepsea.co.uk/boats/tiger_lily/...cts_gallery.htm

I have jacked up BW using the standard car jack, but to be honest it is a last gasp solution and invloves using blocks of wood to get the height. I have also bought a cheapish trolley jack. Connect the boat to the car for extra stability and then use the jack, inserting axle stands when high enough. Adam

Well done boys! Sounds like you had more luck than we did yesterday both finding the wreck and catching the fish!! Will try to get out midweek weather permitting...

Brian, Yes I have a 1.7 TDI Astra and it copes fine. On the road is no problem, most of the slips around here are also OK, Cobbs is wondeful, but with the 165 even Baiter is pretty easy. The only slips that I struggle with would be Kimmeridge and Weymouth at low tide - then I take the 4x4. Let me know when you have sold your boat. Adam

What kind of rod holders are they Paul? The ones on DR are adjustable through 180 degrees on any plane....

Hi Brian, Nope, youre right...they are almost identical. You will find the finish of the Warrior slightly better and it is slightly more 'refined', but the same hull. My 165 was a 60hp 4 stroke Mariner, which gives me 27 knots max and cruises about 18 - 20 dependant on conditions. I trail her easily with a TDI Astra and she is a 1 man launch. She will carry 4, but 3 is better and 2 gives loads of room when fishing. If you want a test drive, let me know - Im only too happy to help out. Cheers Adam

Q: How should I set me gear up for finding a wreck? I quess that the plotter zoomed in to max and the Sonar to full zoom and max gain? Am I correct and its my numbers letting me down? Adam

James trying to make his new toy into an aeroplane!

BW and DR ready to go!

'Dawn Raider' slips off her trailer...

Well with the forecast looking OK, but not brilliant, we decided to launch from Muddiford for Dawn Raiders maiden launch. The tides suited us today and with F4 the maximum, we made the decision to try some wreck numbers kindly donated to us. Drifting for pollock and anchoring for eels was the plan. The launch went without fuss. DR slipped effortlessly off the trailer. We slipped out of the harbour with DR keeping close to BW as she isnt kitted out with electronics yet. The wrecks were about 8 miles S of xchurch, so not too far, but as James was running in a new engine, it took over an hour at 6-8 knots. On reaching the numbers we started to locate the wreckage.......2 hours later and having tried 4 wrecks we still hadnt located steel! In the end we gave up. We had the plotter in to 20 feet, and the sounder on max gain and zoom, but no wrecks. We tried criss crossing the mark, circling in decreasing circles, drifitng the mark - no cigar. Anyway, we ended up back on Xray, where it seemed devoid of fish. A handfull of dogs and a few small whiting was the only result. James went off to play in his new toy and at 4pm we called it a day. Coming back over the bar was interesting. With 2 hours of water we still had barely 1.5' of water and we both managed to chip our props. I think that may be the last trip for a few months now... Adam

Or,..... Take the butt cap off and slide a piece of glass fibre up the blank and whip it in to create a splice. This is how quiver tips are made. I may be able to help with this as I never throw anything away and may have a piece in the garage. Give me a call and Ill explain. Adam

Unlike others I just 'dump' mine in and out and never have a problem (touch wood!) It goes in the bow anchor hatch as it come out of the water, and gets stored temporary in a big plastic tub on deck during the day. First in last out works for me. AF

Great stuff! Ill certianly have a few bits this time. I would like my boat name putting on the Tshirts if I can? Do I have this done after or can you arrange this Martin? Also, how about prices? Adam

Well doen guys!....I was recovering from a hangover and wishing I was out with you. Want to try a bit of conger bashing and have a go at wreck anchoring in the next few weeks. Adam

Hi gary! About time Adam

I going to have a bash at re-wiring BW in the next few weeks, and want to use all new gear. Can anyone suggest a good source of all the 'bits' im likey to use? AF

Just picked up my new Penn Giller Thriller. Very eager to try it out. I have bought it as I find normal uptiders just too long in a 16' boat. The PGT is 8'6" so a much better length. It is rated at 16lb class so softer than alot of other uptiders, so will double up for other uses also. The finish is pretty good, although not up to the standard of the Formula class rods. The butt especially is aweful and lets the rod down. Chunky, cheap reel seat and too long, no thought has gone into this. I will strip mine down and re-build it using fuji gear. Ill let you know how it performs shortly! AF

Bass anyday!.....Nothing like the slight of a big bar of silver breaking the surface, fight like made and taste heavenly when tried with the 'Orange and Ginger' sauce recipie!!