gulf of mexico

eksrae · 17 June 2006, 15:33

made it across the gulf from key west to playa del carmen in 17 hours. the seas for the most part were excellent. the first 14 hours we had 3' swell at the most. the last three hours we ended up going thru a depression which brought the weather to us.
the seas got confused, about a 5 to 6' swell with 3' of chop on top. was not that rough just exhausting. we had to carry 350 gallons of fuel on board 175 of which was in jerry cans on deck.
we did not see much life out there. a few flying fish and a pod of 50 to 60 dolphins that showed off.
the twin 250 suzukis were installed in key largo. what a nightmare that was. it took forever and the quality of install was poor. lot of fixing to do after they were done. never again!!!
We averaged out doing 30 knots although the start was slow till we lost some fuel weight. stopping every 2 hours to refuel us and the boats.
The aluminum hulls and components were made in sidney bc Canada and the tubes were supplied by Eurocraft. A good group of guys. We flew them out to do the outfitting of the rub strakes and flanging. First class thankyou

Limey Linda · 17 June 2006, 16:13

Now that is what I call SERIOUS RIBBING. Can you send more detail of you trip please.

BogMonster · 17 June 2006, 16:47

Blimey 500 miles is a long way in a RIB! I doubt I'll use 350 gallons of fuel in a year

Awesome

OceanEco · 17 June 2006, 18:31

Good to see you had a good trip Dave. The boats look great.

Simon

jyasaki · 20 June 2006, 18:23

Hulls from Sidney? Polaris, by any chance?

Congrats on the run. Quite a trek.

jky

codprawn · 20 June 2006, 19:02

Brilliant trip - made my 90miles seem quite tame!!! Who did you get the engines from???

eksrae · 22 June 2006, 17:00

It was a great experience and i would do it again. The boats were made by Liquid Metal in Sidney. The engines came from Tracker Marine in Key Largo Fl.
The boats will top out at 50knots and like to cruise at 30kn.
One day I hope to convince Crazy Horse to do the Atlantic crossing!!!
We lucked out on weather for our trip, I was hoping for some rough seas at first but with the amount of fuel we had left i am glad we did not.
Enjoy the Sun

Brian · 24 June 2006, 08:15

Ah. Crazy Horse.
Now there is a name to conjure with!

Shaggy · 24 June 2006, 09:50

How much did the hull cost if you don’t mind me asking?

You could Pm me if you don’t want to discuss on the forum.

Shaggy

eksrae · 24 June 2006, 16:13

I became friends with CH on here and met up with him several times for beers. I found it odd meeting someone in person whom i first met online.
The hull and tubes/electrics and accessories less power cost about 140,000. Cad
There was a bit of a discount for the Second boat.
Inside the console is a head, the boat is setup for snorkel tours in mexico. cooler storage built in to the bolster with a flip up seat for additional crew/pass if needed.

Alice · 24 June 2006, 17:04

Any Pirate trouble? It's getting dodgy crossing the Bay of Carlyon. It always pays to stay way offshore. Most of the Pirates in that region, have knackered old V4 2strokes that give up more than 2 miles off.

limeydal · 24 June 2006, 17:05

Nice looking setup

Looks a similar setup to a buddy here in san Diego who does ecotours.(except he runs a single)
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ad...ting_baja.html
cheers dal

Kernow Buoy · 24 June 2006, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alice

Any Pirate trouble? It's getting dodgy crossing the Bay of Carlyon. It always pays to stay way offshore. Most of the Pirates in that region, have knackered old V4 2strokes that give up more than 2 miles off.

I heard they were more legends than Pirates

Alice · 24 June 2006, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernow

I heard they were more legends than Pirates

Leg-ends, which have gone a bit smelly.

Kernow Buoy · 24 June 2006, 18:45

Yea legend has it they wait until some Nobber runs out of fuel cause he doesn't know the size of his fuel tank (that must be false everyone knows that, don't they?)

eksrae · 24 June 2006, 19:14

We were told that if we saw someone in trouble we should be careful. apparantly they put on some sort of distress and when you come to help is when you get it.

Alice · 24 June 2006, 23:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernow

Yea legend has it they wait until some Nobber runs out of fuel cause he doesn't know the size of his fuel tank (that must be false everyone knows that, don't they?)

Yeah, then when the poor soul is out there bobbin' about, they flash up those V4's which then shrouds most of mid Cornwall in smoke, then those Carlyon Pirate Swingers are out like a shot 'avin there way with us innocent sea goin' folk.

smokie · 16 November 2006, 04:48

eksrae,

How did you rest during the long trip? I see you have a stand/lean bolster.

Congrads on your trip. I'd like to go San Diego to Cabo to Mazatlan Mexico. Just need to buy the rib

eksrae · 06 December 2006, 03:37

we did not really rest. we took turns driving but never stopped. there is only a leaning bolster. a little seat slides out and you can take a little weight off.
legs were a little tired the next day.

jyasaki · 06 December 2006, 17:51

Nice run, and thanks for the report.

Enjoy your time in Mexico. Staying in PDC? Cozumel? Somewhere south of there?

jky

Dal: "rafting"? LOL.