After 10 years of dry dock in the garage while I sported around in the bay boat, I decided to resurrect the old girl. I originally decided to do this as a way to cut gas expenses, but even with gas prices down, I can get to much shallower fish with this boat.

Spent most of the morning Sat. unloading the accumulated crap that had been piled on her, then proceeded to replace the tongue, added a jack (my back is getting to old to pick her up when hitching to the truck), tehn replaced the tires (which of course were flat). There was probably 1/8" of play on the starboard wheel, so off to the store for new bearings for both sides.

New fuel tank and plumbing was next, followed by some general tidying up. Next weekend I'll wire a new set of lites to the trailer as well as attacking some rust spots on the old galvanized trailer. Then she should be about ready to go chase some shallow reds!

All told, a Olivia V Maduros, a Joya de Nigaragua, a Punch Rare Carojo, a HdM Dark Sumatra, and almost enough beer to float the old girl. Ah yes, winter projects!

I think that I may need a bigger truck to pull her with :-)

Image
[Reply]

Most excellent! The olde we get the more opportunity we have to "bring things" out of drydock. Envious of your location. Everything here is buttoned up for winter.
[Reply]

Good for you!! Looks like a ton of fun!
[Reply]

Now all you need to do is get me to pole it for you!!! And I will!!!
[Reply]

Yes sir, son! Please enjoy that!
[Reply]

Sounds like a deal! But, you may have to discuss it with my 1st mate :-)

Image

Actually, I am planning on completely redoing the poling platform before anyone spends much time up there! The guy that I bought the boat from way back when built that by thru bolting 2 - 2" angles to the transom and bolting a couple of pieces of bed frame as braces. On a 14' boat, it is real interesting up there.

I am looking for a fab shop to help me build a tube frame that anchors to the rear corners (@ the gunnel/transom) and to the gunnel on each side about a third of the way forward. I think that will put more weight over the transom (right now you stand about 2" behind the boat) as well as up to the front of the boat so it will float flatter (shallower).
[Reply]

She looks more like Executive Officer material to me :-)

Salutes the XO :-)
[Reply]

Custom Marine (I think that is the name) is just on the NE side of the Intracoastal bridge on Atlantic Blvd. They aren't cheap, but they do great work.
[Reply]