How cold is cold

[Stigomery]

OK - change of plan...

We're going to take it out for its maiden voyage on the river rather than the sea. That way we're never far from anywhere warm, hot choc & beer selling!

We won't get her on the plane... but us boys will have our adventure!

[Stigomery]

Success!

Left home at 1:30, got to the river by 2:05, ready to go by 2:25, back at the "harbour" by 3:35 and home by 4:30...

Timing was perfect, we both got a bit chilly but he's already asking when we can next go out!

[Pikey Dave]

Result, well done 👍

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Stigomery

Success!

Left home at 1:30, got to the river by 2:05, ready to go by 2:25, back at the "harbour" by 3:35 and home by 4:30...

Timing was perfect, we both got a bit chilly but he's already asking when we can next go out!

Attachment 110392

Attachment 110393

That's the main thing!
Nicely done..
Lack of any Spray and Bumps has to be a pluss!

[jonathandorey]

We've just had a lovely day out on Loch Leven with my 22 month old daughter and my 3 1/2 year old boy. And earlier in the week we had a lovely day out on Ullswater. At this time of year I want the water to be flat calm so limited chance of taking water into the boat and make sure the wind forecast is very low - so the only wind chill created is by our speed through the water - and then obviously completely controllable by me. The kids love it.

[John Kennett]

Well done both of you! Taking things gently and not being too ambitious is definitely the way to go.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Stigomery

... he's already asking when we can next go out

Mission accomplished!


By the way - if thats a crewsaver spiral junior PFD then I'm not sure he's got the crotch straps on properly. I'm probably not as anal as others here about crotch straps on adults (and perhaps I should be) but I think on kids they make a huge difference.

[Fenlander]

Well done Stig.. I think river was best choice with just you and the lad at that age and for a getting to know the boat run.

However once you've visited Mersea you'll see it's little more challenge than the river if you choose not to head out too far.

So how did you find setting up and the way that outboard ran etc?

[Squid Boat]

Good on ya both, nice pictures.

Cheers

[Stigomery]

In terms of set up we have it down to a fine art having done it a few times at home.

We have a cheap inflatable pump that does one tube while the Bravo does the other, both running off a large leisure battery that I have for a Min Kota trolling motor. Stick the wheels on and back the boat up to the back doors of the transit van. It's a sinch getting the engine into and out of the van.

Once in the water I struggled to get any sort of pressure in the fuel bulb although I heard it filling the carbs up. I suspect I was used to the resistance of the fuel bulb in my other boat than this one as when I gave up trying to get more pressure and simply turn the engine over it fired up.

It was tricky getting the choke right and I soon learnt this was more like starting my old mini than the 2 stroke engine on the old boat. It took some playing around and easing the choke back in as the engine warmed up.

Once the engine was warm we pootled along with the engine at about 450 RPM for 15 minutes or so per the run-in instructions. After that eased it up a bit but didn't ever really go above 1200 RPM or we'd be in trouble! The speed limit was 7mph on the river but I could feel the boat and engine just crying out to be up on the plane and getting the revs up.

Next run will hopefully be on the open water so we can ease it up to 3-4000 RPM and then after an hour or so let her fly.

Boat was incredibly stable and felt very safe.

Set-up & pack away was also very very easy and confirmed that I've made a great decision.

One minor gripe... How the hell am I supposed to keep that white floor clean?!?!

[Fenlander]

Great that it sounds as if the outfit choice has worked out so well.

I've never owned a 4-stroke outboard but I know my 4-stroke Honda hedge cutter is a trickier start re choke position than the 2-stroke Kawasaki I had before.

I find I get the boat floor more dirty on the river than the sea.... is yours a wipe clean surface or does it hold the dirt?

[Stevem]

Nice one. The little man looks well pleased.

[jeffstevens763@g]

The smile on the youg mans face says it all proper dad & lad day well done mate.

cheers

[steco1958]

The lad looks chuffed to bits, hope you let him have a go on the tiller !!

[Stigomery]

Originally Posted by steco1958

The lad looks chuffed to bits, hope you let him have a go on the tiller !!

That should read, "I hope he let you have a go on the tiller"

[Stigomery]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

I find I get the boat floor more dirty on the river than the sea.... is yours a wipe clean surface or does it hold the dirt?

It's kind of an anti-slip type of surface so all those little lumps and grooves allow the dirt to just sink in and cling on.

I'll use some warm water when i wash it down properly, dry and pack away better before our next outing.