"Scout" wrote:
It was awesome! We went out a few miles offshore, out through the Bass and
Mullica Rivers, across the Great Bay, then the Inlet at Holgate, sailed
North past Beach Haven; at the end of the day we logged a 40 mile sail. The
inlet was a bit choppy but the ocean was nothing but peaceful swells. NOAA
was predicting 10-15 from the West, but we were getting an easterly sea
breeze that was pushing us too close to shore, so we tact out until we were
about 2 miles offshore.


NOAA are idiots to be predicting a light breeze from the west at this
time of year. A summer day on the Jersey shore will build a strong sea
breeze by early afternoon, unless there is a fairly strong system
brewing something else. It's the default setting.


The boat will take some getting used to. I noticed a lot of side slippage
but we experimented a lot and our water depth ranged from less than 2 feet
to 70 feet, which means we had that centerboard all over the place. I have a
lot more boat now, and she's a beauty, but my first impression is that my
old Precision (Starwind) was a much more responsive boat - I'll save final
judgment until I have more experience with the Seaward.


I bet that there is a big difference between having the board full
down and half up (or more); with the bulb/wing the difference in
stability should be noticable and the difference in leeway
considerable!

Here's the $64 question- how did your Dad like the boat?


A few minor mechanical problems were worked out and one problem with my fuel
system still needs to be resolved. My physics teaching friend who also did a
few years as an engineer on a tuna boat came with me and put his talents to
work going over many of my mechanicals and making suggestions.

The horseflies were on us like a deluge. It seems they also appreciate the
shade of the bimini. Once offshore though, they were all but gone and we had
just one lone butterfly to keep us company. I took one video and it's 30
megs. I'll get pics on the next trip.
Scout


That'll be great! I would like to see some pics of the mast raising
system in action too.

Fresh BReezes- Doug King