Adam F

Thanks guys. It has been amazing how much we both underestimated the task - not that it's been a problem, we are both loving every minute of it, and I rush home from work each day just to snatch a few hours work on her. Cair Paravel fit them out in 2 weeks, but then they are just bolting kit on. We have made several major adjustments to the basic boat and are speccing it as high as our skills, time and budget allow. Some days it seems like she'll be in the water next week, other days it seems months off.... One thing is for such - I dont think I'd ever have a factory boat again, it is just great knowing how every inch of the boat is built and constructed as it allows almost all kit to be configured or even manufactured the way you want it. Adam

BOOK IN HERE Weather permitting (as always!) this Sunday is species hunt, so a change from the specimen hunts of late. LW at Poole Entrance is 06.30am. Who's fishing then?

Nice looking boat mate. Very different from the normal boats we see in use on our shores - and why not? Good on you. Not your usual choice, I'd be interested in hearing your logic for decision. Great fun when we have weather like today, but how will you feel in Dec blasting out to the cod grounds when you have been used to the raider's cuddy? Look forward to seeing her on the water and how she performs. PS: I noticed that Sea Dangler have a report this month on the Pioneer and that Cambrian Boat Centre have taken on the UK dealership for them. Maybe we will see a few more on our shores.# Adam

Well the hard work last week has started to pay off. We had 6 full 12 hour days with 3 of us working supported by good advice from our local life saver Pete finished the welding this morning and I picked the welds this afternoon. So we now have the two Vetus pantograph wipers fitted, the cockpit rails, bulkhead hand rails, roof rails and the superb bow rail all finished and in place. I spent most of the week modifying the engine box as the std affair was in our opinion very poor and allow water to enter the engine bay, and didnt allow full access to the engine room. Bob moved further with the electics and finally we have 3/4 of the 2" D fender fitted...phew! Getting closer!

Andy, I'd like a look at one, just out of curiosity more than anything - maybe you could bring one to a monthly meeting for a demo? Adam

Not quite a catch report, but as the weather has been so crap this week, and I have been on holiday since last Weds, so would have been fishing - I thought I'd give you an update on our build progress. I had some bad news last week, so the boat has been a welcome distraction helping me clear my head. So didnt get much done last week... Anyway, Monday didnt start well either, we soon found out that the pipe bender and the welder we had for our

Last Sunday's comp has been re-scheduled for the 13th of July - same rules as before. Book in here if you are fishing. Adam

Charlie, You have a PM. Adam

Sorry for the last minute notice today, but been holding out for a better forecast. Anyway, it hasnt improved and the Metoffice have a strong wind warning out, so tomorrow's comp is OFF. Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis Strong winds are forecast Inshore waters forecast 24 hour forecast: 1300 Sat 28 Jun 1300 Sun 29 Jun Wind Southwest 4 or 5, increasing 6 at times. Sea state Moderate. Weather Mainly fair. Visibility Moderate or good. Outlook: 0700 Sun 29 Jun 0700 Mon 30 Jun Wind Westerly or southwesterly 4 or 5, occasionally 6 around headlands. Sea state Moderate or rough. Weather Mainly fair. Visibility Moderate or good.

Not looking good chaps I'm afraid. I'm sure fishable areas will be findable, but looking at it across the board and trying to pick weather that suits all of the boats in the club, general forecasts seem to be F4 edging F5 from the West. I'll make a final decision tomorrow afternoon, but it needs to get a hell of allot better!! Metcheck: Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis Strong winds are forecast Inshore waters forecast 24 hour forecast: 1900 Fri 27 Jun 1900 Sat 28 Jun Wind Southwesterly 5 to 7, decreasing 4 or 5 later. Sea state Moderate or rough. Weather Occasional rain or drizzle, fog patches for a time, fair later. Visibility Moderate or good, occasionally very poor at first. Outlook: 1900 Sat 28 Jun 1900 Sun 29 Jun Wind Southwesterly 4 or 5, occasionally 6. Sea state Moderate or rough. Weather Mainly fair. Visibility Moderate or good.

Sounds like a hell of a long trip. Would have loved to have gone, but work and home situation didnt allow. I'll load up google earth and have a look at the route! Edit: JESUS!!! 3 days and it looks like they have about 15 to go!! Troms is a hell of a long way north. I bet they wished they fitted auto pilot now!! Autoroute gives it as 6 days by road at an average of 60mph!!

Craig, Get yourself down to Portland - and get round to the Race. A shorter (much) drive, easy to launch a big boat and 6 miles round to the Bill. Live joeys fished on a portland rig is the tackle for great bass fishing. Be warned though - the race isnt the kindest, saftest place to fish - on big springs, 6/7 knot tides barrel though squeezing from over 100' of water to less than 50' - the result is spectacular overfalls which can be dangerous even for big vessels. For a safter option, drifting the edges of the shambles with live eels also works very well. Give me a ring if you want further info. Adam

A chap called Adrian Corker from Poole called me this evening - he got my number from here.. Anyway - he has a trip booked with our friend Fred on Crimson Tide on Sat 28th - they plan to fish mid channel for the cod. Adrian has 5 spaces on the trip he is looking to fill. Cost is

Sorry for the delay in posting chaps - been working away this week... Anyway - as has been posted already, Sunday is another comp, and the last in the BFM series. Format is best specimen, so book in your best % fish with Paul or me. The forecast is looking decidedly iffy - windy this week, but dying off - buy will it go quicker - anyway, lets hold fire until Fri / Sat and I'll post up with a decision. Book in here if you havent on the other thread! Cheers

Right, a bit of frantic research in order to add on to exisiting orders and I have the following on order: A composite seacock and skin fitting in one. Went for composite to avoid electrolysis issues, it is fire resistant and claims to be as strong as brass or s/s... This will route to a Y piece which then feeds a rule pump as Rob says above - purchased from TCS for just

http://www.tcschandlery.co.uk/ProductDetai...60-cdbf295208a0 A bargin!! Ive ordered one of these. Next Q - I'm favouring a skin fitting and stopcock all in one unit - less connections to fail - is this right? Also do I want a standard open pick up or do I need a scoop type?

Thanks Tomo - sounds good. Any chance of a photo or spec?

Rob, Youre a star!! That is just the ticket - I'd imagine they would be cheaper than a big Parmax etc too. Charlie - i'll order one and you'll have to see / hear what you think. Cheers

Any recommendations on a quiet in-line pump to use on a live bait tank? Doesnt need to move loads of water (350 gph) I used a little Rule on my last 2 boats, but obviosuly these are not inline. The Shurflo / Flojet / Parmax Ive seen and heard so far really annoy me when used for a livewell as they hum away, I used to forget the Rule was running. Thanks in advance!

Security? I big dog locked inside the wheelhouse..... I was going to go for 3 hinges, but decided on a pair of bigger ones instead - the door is 1 1/2" thick double laminated foam, so warping shouldnt be an issue. They are screwed in with Stainless clutch head screws, so 'should' be tamper proof to theives. A 5 lever mortice lock will provide the main lock, and I have a seperate cylinder style hi-security lever lock in addition to this. (Nice thing about these is that they are pretty un-intrusive) Finally, we will install an alarm system to the main wheelhouse and all aft hatches. You're right though - if they want to get in they will - all we can do it make it hard as possible and have plenty of deterants.

The biggest progress so far to date, as on Friday our windows arrived from the excellent Marine Window Fabrications in Essex. Great quality windows. We went for 6mm toughened smoke tinted side and rear windows to cut down glare, and clear front windows in case the boat gets a coding. Thet are a dry fit and clamp from the inside so leave a smooth finish on the outside and are really a joy to fit. Sat eve and all day Sunday and they were done!

Sorted. Duncan - I bought a pair, so will probably have 1 spare. Cheers, Adam

Anyone got a boot / bonnet hydraulic ram knocking around looking for a new owner? Suitable to lift a light(ish) engine hatch? Thanks!

How can you say that Mike?? 3rd Place went to a fish caught less than 2 miles from land, 4th place was to a fish that could have been caught on a mooring - christ, youre big bass last year was caught close in!! Buning lots of diesel doesent always been big fish - this last week for me confirmed this - more cod than ive ever caught, but not one over 10lb - not even 50%!! Every year is the same..... inshore fishing always holds its own. As for the focus being on Alderney.... half dozen boats out of 100 making the trip once or twice a year is hardly the main focus. Sorry, but your comments just aint right!!