Launched today

Erin · 04 May 2008, 19:59

After a final push to get everything ready, and a good forecast, I decided it was time to put my pride and joy into the drink. I was going to wait until the end of the week, but the tides were good for an easy launch on the slip and the sea was calm for a maiden voyage. It was only a short 8nm trip from the slip to my mooring, but what a difference in the way she rides over my last boat. We were limited to no more than 4,000 rpm for running in, but I was happy to cruise at 3000 doing 21-22 kts for the shakedown. A very quick blast saw 40kts with ease and I doubt I was over 4500.

Only little surprise was that when tied up on the mooring the bottom of the engine bracket and the lower fixing bolts were submerged. I expected it to all be clear of the water on a long shaft. I'll have to keep an eye on any weed growth and somehow make sure the sealant around the transom bolts is 100%

Not the best photo in the world I must admit, but it was getting a little dark.

codprawn · 04 May 2008, 20:11

Well done - no wonder it's so fast - that's quite a big engine for a 6.5m!!!

Tubes just kissing the water at rest is ideal.

Limey Linda · 04 May 2008, 20:25

That looks just right. Just make sure you inspect your lower bracket anode frequently. However, I will never understand why anyone would keep a 50K+ boat on a saltwater mooring when you could trailer it. After a year or two the maintenance costs really start to go up.

Erin · 04 May 2008, 20:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

However, I will never understand why anyone would keep a 50K+ boat on a saltwater mooring when you could trailer it. After a year or two the maintenance costs really start to go up.

It's tidal so it's only coroding for half the time

. Anyhow, France is only 25 mins away, I can be there after work in the time it would take to launch if I kept it on a trailer

Assuming that's 50K in US$, then your'e about spot on. Self build, and no VAT the final bill came to somewhere hovering just over £24K

Limey Linda · 04 May 2008, 20:49

I can understand the convenience aspect. and I am sure you will tend to use the boat more, which is good.

24K pounds is great well done after what I am sure was a lot of hard work.

Erin · 04 May 2008, 20:52

A couple of days ago.

Limey Linda · 04 May 2008, 21:00

Looks good . But I think you have contracted Hightower syndrome with that double console. Why? It does not make sense to me. Can't get to the bow easily and makes it look like a double decker bus.

Chris · 04 May 2008, 21:30

Erin,

It looks really good !!, what seat pods are you using?

Also your seat upholstery is that standard or did you get it done locally?

Chris

BruceB · 04 May 2008, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Looks good . But I think you have contracted Hightower syndrome with that double console. Why? It does not make sense to me. Can't get to the bow easily and makes it look like a double decker bus.

I got fed up with trying to work on a small console and fit everything on as well. Mine opens up for maintenace and is also a good windbreak. When I was diving getting to the bow was important but now? Just when mooring which is only a rarity compared to travelling along in comfort. It is hardly a problem with the high level rail steping around when needed.

Robbie Diesel · 04 May 2008, 22:05

Congratulations! A Beautiful Boat, Really like these Osprey Vipermax's

BruceB · 04 May 2008, 22:17

I like it too but would have to echo the thoughts about leaving it on a mooring. I don't have the nerves for that myself.......

Roy Smith · 04 May 2008, 22:57

Good looking boat
Well done

willk · 04 May 2008, 23:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Looks good . But I think you have contracted Hightower syndrome with that double console. Why? It does not make sense to me. Can't get to the bow easily and makes it look like a double decker bus.

I guess it helps if you're supple! Double is the way to go - one needn't aggravate one's arthritis conversing with the crew....

John Kennett · 05 May 2008, 06:21

Big consoles make perfect sense to me - and not just because I'm 10 foot tall!

Compare the amount of time you spend sitting behind the console, to the amount of time you spend in the bow. I know where my priority would be. Why waste all that space?

Stepping on the tube to go forward really isn't a big deal, especially if you have some decent grab rails on the console.

John

PeterR · 05 May 2008, 07:05

Hi Erin,I understand you can now buy clear spray antifoul my freind has used it on his mercruiser leg but you would obviously have to apply it out of the water.Regards Peter.

PeterR · 05 May 2008, 07:05

Oh and cracking looking boat

Hightower · 05 May 2008, 08:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Looks good . But I think you have contracted Hightower syndrome with that double console. Why? It does not make sense to me. Can't get to the bow easily and makes it look like a double decker bus.

We aren't blessed with the sub-tropical climate you have

As stated before, there are many resons for a large console, ease of gaining access to everything inside, plenty of room to surface mount electrical items, shelter from the elements, plenty of storage inside.....Etc .. etc .. etc

Hightower · 05 May 2008, 08:14

Keith, she's looking fantastic mate.

Is the bracket from the engine sitting in the water by quite a bit?

Downhilldai · 05 May 2008, 09:48

She is sitting a little lower at the stern than most 6.5m Vipermaxes. They generally have their tubes out of the water, at rest but your 200 Soozook is quite a bit (40kg) heavier than the 200 optimax, as used by Hugh Jardon & Bedajim.
Looks good - well done

Mollers · 05 May 2008, 09:53

I see no grab handles. How are your passengers gonna stay in the thing?

Those double jockeys are next to useless as there's no backrest/grab handle in the middle. One of the main reasons I changed boats was to give all of our kids a single jockey and a grab handle each. That way they stay in and feel secure in rougher water. The console will have a grab handle on the passenger side to keep the Missus held in.