On Fri, 18 Feb 2005 17:20:07 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:


Put that jack plate through it's paces and report back.

I'd be really interested in how that does in snarky wave action.

Later,

Tom

Tom,
I've added some hours to the boat and have really enjoyed it.
Last weekend I ran it for a few days with some customers at Port
O'Conner Texas in some pretty nasty conditions (25 gusting to 40) and
it handled real well. Tried adjusting the jack plate but could see no
difference in handling - I think its use is limited to prop adjustment
for getting on plane in shallow water. I've adjusted it while underway
and it seems to vary the RPM's but has little effect on speed. It does
make me feel more comfortable loading the boat on the trailer as I can
raise the engine and not worry about chewing up the prop on the ramp
(don't ask how I know this can happen). The trim tabs help a lot in
rough water as you can hold the bow down for a smoother ride. Ride in
rough water was comfortable but we did take on some spray in crosswind
(not sure there is a boat made that won't get you wet with 25-40
crosswinds though) but rode dry when headed into or away from the
wind. Weight really makes a difference. With my wife and I and 1/2 -
3/4 tank of fuel I can bust 60 mph. With 5 fat boys and full fuel we
barely could make 50 (this was in the inter coastal - not open bay
with that wind). Finally got the rear seat installed last week (SeaPro
had them on backorder for several months) and it came in handy this
past weekend with my wifes aunt, uncle, son and daughter-in-law -
almost turns it into a runabout. Haven't been offshore yet - hope to
get some reasonably calm seas soon but it should do fine based on the
performance in the bay under pretty rough conditions. As you can tell
- I'm real pleased with the boat so far. It appears to be a pretty
good compromise for the kind of use my wife and I wanted it for.
Looking forward to a lot more use this summer.