Hi all. The boat build is now complete, with just some internal fit out, final hookup of the motors and instruments, and canopies, clears and cushions to go, so the launch is not too far away.
Chimo. The Voyager cats were not one of the boats that I looked at. This is not meant as a slight against them, but simply I was not aware that they existed. I do not recall ever seeing one, and being a cat fan, I would have noticed it if I had of come into contact with one. I'm sure they would be advertised and promoted through industry magazines, but apart from Bush N Beach and Qld Fishing Monthly, I do not buy any of the periodical fishing or boating mags these days so would not get to see any promotional material on these boats. My fault, no one elses. Do you know whether it is possible to have a first hand look at one? Even though I'm no longer in the market, I always love to look over a good boat. It would be nice to see one on display at the Brisbane Boat Show later this year.
FisHard. The trailer is finished and is a work of art. I am really impressed with it. Will be running Alko axles and suspension, with 14 inch light truck tyres, so it should tow nicely behind the 4WD. I will put up some better photos of the trailer in the next lot of photos.
A few more shots of the progress:
Another front on shot. The targa bar and canopy rails are on. The targa is a fold down assembly. When finished, it will be a matter of unclipping the clears and side curtains, undo 4 nuts and remove the bolts, and the canopy and targa will fold back so that the top of the screen is the highest point of the boat. This is to allow it to be stored in my existing shed.
Rear shot. The Suzis are bolted on, rear rails and step through rails in place. Targa holds 8 rods as well as the VHF and stereo/radio aerials. Also anchor light, rear facing LED flood light and LED deck light are in place. The pick up for the saltwater deck wash is mounted beside the starboard pod.
Close up - port side rear. The inlay in the tansom is to allow the motor to be trimmed right up without worrying about hitting the cowl on the hull. Great for those times when the newby deckies manage to wrap a heap of 50lb braid around the prop, and you need to be able to untangle without the fear of taking a swim. Squid / live bait attractor lights are mounted on the rear of each pod.
The entertainment lounge, Fusion MS-IP700i stereo for playing Pink Floyd music the only way it should be played - loudly, and the VHF radio for telling tall stories to surrounding fishos. Also a good sized glove box for keeping the important gear out of the weather.
Looking into the port side pod. The wire is for the bait attractor light on the rear of the pod, and the transducer is a through hull 1 kilowatt Airmar B164 with zero degree offset.
Cheers
Jeff