Launched today

[Erin]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

A couple of days ago.

[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.

[Chris]

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]

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]

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