great white

Happy Birthday Jerry Have a great day Mate😃

Well done Steve Great result, Happy that one of my spares got you out of a fix. Alfresco also went back in yesterday.😁 New starter got her going in less than one revolution. Like you I had the defective Bell Housing machined and sleeved to take a new bearing, rather than replace it with the new unit which would have been a special order from Volvo at £1500 plus VAT. Ivan at lake engineering did a great job. Luckily my son Dan and I do the other engineering. As taking the leg off and getting the engine out and stripped, then reversing those processes is very labour intensive and hence expensive. We still use genuine Volvo parts so the wallet still took a bash. We painted the engine while out so that will help as it ages. Nice to have her back afloat again Charlie

Nobody mentioned Duty Free on the trip and the day walking was on Sunday so mainbrayce was closed. I think most of us forgot to be honest. The good news was that the new diesel tank looked to be in place at mainbrayce, so we may be able to fuel as usual next time

Unfortunately cannot make this one, apparently home Diary is full

Great pictures Jerry I am so pleased that you enjoyed your first trip to the Island. No doubt we will all give it another go

Hi All A mate of mine that now lives in Cumbria after leaving Poole, is asking if we know of a commercial bait supplier that could supply his local tackle shop. Apparently the current supplier lets them down and quality is not good. Does anyone know one? If so please let me have phone number

Great report and pictures guys Thanks for your company No doubt we will be back again

The long way home. After missing a day we were all up for a long last day. We settled up and thanked Mel for a good stay and called a cab for the bags Down to Bray and a few of us went over to bring boats to the jetty to be topped up with fuel from the bowser. This went well, then we started the run to the first wreck some 15 miles away. Just as we arrived we were met by a pod of dolphins 20220509_151925.mp4 Even with these about the fishing for us was a little better than on the way out, the boats stayed together for 4 or 5 wrecks. Then we split up to hunt for better fishing. Dave had a little one he wanted to try to find, and the hunt was good We had as many fish off this as any of the bigger ones, including this surprise. and a few better pollack Craig had done a lovely Curry for lunch , but the day was getting late and we also squeezed in a Lasagne for dinner At about 7 we stopped fishing and started the run to Poole, in the calm Misty weather Eventually arriving at the chain ferry just as it started to get dark. It was late but had been a great trip. Thanks to everyone for the great Craic, for Dave for making room for me while Alfresco is repaired. Although the fishing is tougher these trips are still great fun We will no doubt be back again.

The build up was busy as usual, made worse by two boats having to drop out with mechanical issues. Thanks to Dave and Jerry for making room for myself and Steve to join their crews. Accommodation was booked for all of us and fuel arranged for a single top up on Monday morning. Multiple weather checks, it seemed to be OK for at least three good days, so its thumbs up and off we go. 0530 bumped into Jerry in the car park at Cobbs as I loaded trolley with kit for the 4 days [Why do I take so much ??] After a quick check of plans and good luck messages its off to the boats, kit on, kettle on and off to Swanage A brief stop saw a few fresh mackerel added to the bait cooler.😁 Off we go again 25 miles to the first wreck for us, with Jerry choosing another a couple of miles away. Great expectation but fishing was slow with just a couple of pollack. Loobie 4 joined us as their wreck was dead. The usual couple of stops followed as the breeze started to increase and boat speed cut back a bit as we motored past the caskets lighthouse towards Dave's favourite bank. Lures changed to traces baited with mackeral and we started the first of many drifts, my rod nodded very slightly and its fish on, the first turbot that was just in size and off to the bait tank. There were a few more dogfish than we wanted to see, but we did have four flatty's including one of 7lb 8 oz for Craig. We were getting a few mackerel and Launch right on top of the Bank where it was a little choppy. !600 its off to the moorings in Braye Harbour. a quick clean up of the boats and change . Call the water taxi and its off ashore to the Moorings Hotel for a beer or three. We grabbed a burger then walked up the hill to book in the Bonjour and have a shower. before hiking about 15 yards to the next pub. Day 2 Up at 0700, grab the pack breakfast and stroll off down the hill for the first water taxi at 0800. The breeze had dropped so the two boats headed back to the same banks. Fishing seemed even slower today, with more dogs and just a few flatties and gurnard Mark had a lovely fish that was a PB just short of double figures at 9lb 8oz. Best of 5 today. The lads on Looby 4 were getting a few more flatties than us, but it was tough going. at 1700 we packed up for the run back to Braye usual routine, water Taxi ride and a stroll to the bar in the Moorings. For planning over a couple of pints. Craig called his new mate Bill, for a taxi ride up the hill, he did not fancy that walk again. Shower and change then off to our new local next door for dinner, before being joined by the Jerry's and Steve later Checking the forecasts in did not look great for Sunday. Day 3 Woke up and checked the forecast, which if anything were worse with a fairly stiff NE breeze. We all decided to head down to the Harbour and taxi to the boats. Good job we did as Looby was a little close to a French Yacht, the crew of which had not enjoyed their night in a choppy harbour and were too ill to move. Our mooring buoy was hitting the anchor so adjustments were made. We had a coffee then decided to go for a walk around the island [ Mainly to stop us going into the bar too early] As we Past our buddy boat they were all having a fish , so we wished them luck as we tried to stay dry on the taxi boat. We learned later that Steve also went walking Jerry retired to the hotel and Jerry 2 took a spinning rod ashore to try his luck on the rocks at Fort Clonque. We strolled slowly around to the southern end of the Island, seeing some interesting sights on the way After a stop on the way, when a friendly local gave us a tour of some German buildings from WW2 we arrived at the Gannet sanctuary that looked fishable if you could endure the rough ride to get there. We arrived in town at 1330, just too late for lunch which was an error as our food was all on the boats. A quick pint with Jerry in the Marais Hall, then its back to the guest house for a quiet afternoon, before all meeting up for dinner at 1800.

May have to see what is on the calendar, and check with my crew

Top marks for not saying where, but your picture gives it away mate

Not much care for the community there. they are to busy so are closing??

Sorry he did tell me which Island, but I forget. He flew from Bristol as it was a big saving on London. He also told me that he has two days boat fishing booked at 600 Euro a trip. Probably worth talking to him when he gets back in a weeks time.

Fuel Bowser now booked for Looby 4 and Reel Magic, 0900 Monday to give us time to get the boats to the pier.

I have spoken to the guest house all is confirmed for Fri. Sat Sunday. Arranging the fuel delivery for Monday morning 0900. Well would be if they would answer their damn phone. Lol

I have not been, but I did research it a while ago. Made a booking for a live aboard, But we had to drop out as Norway was on offer. Ben is on his way out there this afternoon, I think it is his 5th or 6th time

Have a look at Cape Verde mate Dependent on your budget and how big a fish you want to target you should find something. and I believe its very warm and sunny. Hope that helps

Thanks all Just going to the pub for lunch with Wendy Dan and Christine. Happy Birthday Dave, Hope that you have a great day

Just been over to collect the parts for Alfresco's engine. but with painting then rebuilding the Volvo I will not get it back together and re installed in time. Hence crewing with Dave again. Sorry that Steve is in the same place with his drive rebuild, which means you cannot go Alun, can you not talk Adam into bringing JV2?

I hope that the decision to sell Tiddler is so that you can both do something enjoyable in your retirement Jim. Always welcome for a day out on Alfresco mate. Someone will get a nice boat, good luck with the sale.

Hi all I have checked with the accommodation They have our booking, which now is one twin bed room more than is required, they also have Alun's booking for a twin double room. The extra room can be cancelled but that does not need to be done yet, if anyone else was thinking of going, please let me know.

Hi guys It looks like I have lost my crew for this one due to unforeseen issues. To be honest with the engine out of my boat and still being covid positive that may take some pressure off. I have phoned a friend and will now crew with Dave again instead. I will need to call Mel at the accommodation, but before reducing the numbers we have booked does anyone want to take any available spaces? Reply , or PM me ASAP please

Thanks Steve I have a different problem at the moment, the engine is out, my bell housing is awaiting machining for a new liner sleeve again. Delayed by Easter and the fact that I am off work with covid. I intended to have all the preps done ready and the engine de rusted and painted by now, but am still awaiting negative tests. I hope others are enjoying the sunny weather and getting out,

If it comes to a new shaft Steve, I presume that you can get trade discount. If not let me have the details and I will get you a quote. If you do where do you use, as my engine is out for repairs and another quote may be required.

I have done that job in the past for a shaft on an outboard. But using chemical metal instead of ceramic. But it was a small old 20 hp unit. The engine was not worth the cost of a new shaft. So it was that option or scrap. It lasted the rest of time that Rick had the boat. Is there an option to skim the shaft to fit differant seals with slightly smaller ID seals? Do not know who could do that for you mate. Sorry. If it was skimming there are plenty of options.