Adam F

Anyone got a source for these? I lost the fantastic one Pete made me years ago after the stupid carabiner came unclipped. Ive had a quick google but the only ones I can find are nearly

Nothing wrong with Wishin Too - can you put some piccies up? You know how we all like to drool over new toys!

Sorry to hear that Jim, but they are expensive toys to have sat on the drive if not being used. Always a place on JV for you should you fancy it.

I popped out to sea trail JV after her major service, this afternoon - I snuck a couple of bream rods onboard for an hour on the patch as it wasnt looking too bad. I got out there at 1pm and it was OK... F3-4 Westerly.... then the tide turned against the wind and a squall came through.. the wind picked up to a good 5 pushing 6.. so I had a nice run back into the teeth of it and spent the rest of the afternoon tied up in the safety and calm of the marina!

Or me... ive even written off ideas of a day off on Monday - that now looks nasty.. On the plus side at least it's blowing out now - hopfully leaving calm for you boys in May....

You would struggle to see that little mast 8 miles out at sea! Not sure what all the fuss is about. Gas etc are of a limited resource, nuclear is considered dangerous (and the power stations ugly) and no one likes the look of wind turbines... but everyone wants power!

JV has a battery charger on trickle, a 600mm tube heater and a de-humidifier running through the winter, the result is a warm, dry wheelhouse. Highly recommended .

Nearly time to start the 21 day forecast countdown on met check! I'll be released not to have the sleepless nights worrying about the weather this year.... But jealous as hell! And I'll have the sleepless nights for a different reason!

Lots of posts about food! Where's all the fishing planning gone? At least you'll eat well!

Wow! Monster! Fish of a lifetime!

It did come from NZ. Ian's out there at the moment, I'll see if I can get him to bring one back

A new addition to JV this year courtesy of Mr Russell...

Were leaving at 7am too - so likely we'll follow you out of the harbour. Forecast is looking sexy!

You going on yours or Ow Much? I'll catch you on Ch6 - good to know at least one other boat will be out.

Tomo, How many is she coded for? Look forward to seeing her in the flesh. Adam

Im taking JV down to Weymouth to fish the Shambles on Friday if anyone fancies buddy boating and tagging along? Leaving Poole 7am

It's all down to budget really. Cat's are an awesome option but the price over a monohull must be +30/40% at least i'd have thought. A cat with outboards would suit Xchurch very well. Do you need berths for sleeping? Another deciding factor?? Another thing to decide is 'commercial' vs factory built. The Cougar Cats / Offshores / Cygnus etc are all hand built and quality will vary hugely - often they have been finished very sparcely with little attention to detail, or asthetics - they are working tools. The Starfishers / Rodmans etc are built to a production standard and you will get factory engineered consistancy...all the same and not flexible to individual needs but a reasonable finish. It's great fun searching though!

It's a tough one Nige - as I'm sure you know by now, and all about compromise. Personally I wouldnt let speed dictate the boat too much - as long as it will maintain a cruise of 16-18 knots in moderate conditions then that's plenty enough - Charlie and the others will support me I'm sure that the days when you can open it up are far and few between... and when you can you often dont as it costs

Thats some impressive figures. Like others I'd be intrested to hear how she runs and what she burns once she's loaded up with kit and anglers in a reasonable sea (ie how we run most of the time) if its half as good as those figures above youve still got a super machine.

Thanks Rob - basic but good to be able to see a few years forward

Speaking to Gerry when I bought mine they always struggled to turn a profit on these. They said it looks as long to fit one out as a 40 footer and the bigger ones turn a bigger margin. I believe the 23 was a bit of a pet project for Gerry. Sad news though. Still think they are a cracking boat and don't have much competition in the 23 category.

Tom Smith is also going on Thurs taking his boat Illusion down to the Shambles, leaving Salterns at 7am. He has space for 2 anglers. Ive PM'ed Fail-O - but if anyone else fanies it PM me and I'll give you Tom's number. Adam

Sorry guys - space went to Ben who dropped me a line just after I posted this. I'll let you know how it goes. Cant wait to get JV out again it's been months!

I've got a free space on the boat for a run down to the shambles on Thurs if anyone fancies it? Failing that if anyone wants to buddy u that's also good. Adam

James, scrap that - Weds will be tricky with the dog and reub - lets look at Thurs and I'll reschedule my diary.