Things to do before Spring launch
 

Harry Krause wrote:

I've trailered the Parker. I have a first-class alum trailer with
stainless disk brakes and torsion bar axles. The rig tows beautifully. I
just don't like to waste my time trailering boats any distances.

I'm sure that Parker is a fine boat. The towability issues are over its
high boxy cabin, total weight, and width. The Grady would be far easier
to tow.

None of those dimensions present a problem if you are towing with the
proper vehicle and know what you are doing. I've towed my Parker a bit,
and had no difficulties doing it safely. I just don't like wasting time
towing boats.

I'm using a 2005 Silverado w/tow package. I know the Parker would
present more towing problems than that particular Grady for the
Silverado. You just can't underestimate the three problem areas
mentioned when towing distances. What are you using for a tow vehicle
that would mitigate these problems, Harry? I suspect a truck large
enough would present additional problems of its own.

--
Skipper

Things to do before Spring launch
 

Harry Krause wrote:

Why would a 25' Parker fail and a 22' Grady win?

Because Harry owns a Parker.

His towing inexperience, unfamiliarity with the destination, and
admitted coordination difficulties wouldn't help either. However, I
would be willing to assist or at least tell him where to get off.

Having you feed me hints you've Googled up wouldn't be much help.

Don't know about that. I really have no problem telling you where to go.

--
Skipper

Things to do before Spring launch
 

"Skipper" wrote in message
...
JIMinFL wrote:

The Gradys are wonderful boats. But the 228 is no match for my Parker.

Now you're just making me feel bad. Not sure what you mean by 'no
match'.
Size wise, that's for sure. But, for a 22'er, it's got a *lot* of deck
room. I could force myself to get by!

Should one get the itch for *real* adventure, which would be the better
boat for a Cortez challenge?

Please define adventure.
Please define Cortez challenge.

It's a legit question. I believe a *trailerable* boat should be truly
trailerable...and seaworthy. The boat should open up non local waters.
The Cortez challenge presents such a test, a true shake 'n bake. This
test involves trailering the boat to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. The
boat is then launched and makes a 100-mile crossing of the Sea of Cortez
to Santa Rosalia, a former mining village with a French influence, in
Baja California Sur. The boat is then tested as a fishing platform while
going after the great variety of gamefish abundant in the Gulf.

Now I believe the Parker would fail miserably in this test. The Grady
would win the day.

--
Skipper

Sure a trailer boat is trailerable. Maybe more trailerable than me. If I
am going to boat the Florida Keys, or Alaska, I am going to whip out the
plastic or checkbook and rent a boat. We are discussing driving to Alaska
this summer with friends. Sure, my boat would be nice up there. But
instead of 15.5 mpg, I get 12.5 mpg. Over 9000 miles that is a lot of
money, 580 gallons, vs. 720 gallons. At 2.50 a gallon that is $350.
Between that and the towing stuff, I can rent a boat a couple of times, or
get guided fishing a couple of days. And the hassle of the towing. Plus
the worry about rock chips on gravel roads, and trailer tires. Baja is only
about 650 miles one way for me. But for a couple of hundred dollars, I can
fly down there in a couple of hours, and have the local Panguero take me out
and he knows where the fish are for about $150 a day. Cost me at least $100
to take my boat out, when you figure fuel, and bait, launch fees, and the
fuel to get there. Cheaper to hire a six pac if it was just money. I
enjoy my boat and the solitude I get from it. You ought to get a boat and
try it. An add for Baja Pirates show special. 5 days 4 nights Hotel
Marina, with 3 days fishing / diving / snorkeling / kayaking is $860 airfare
SFO to Cabo. taxes, and fishing license and lunch included. And I am going
to tow my boat 1600 miles one way? Hire a guide, and you will find out it
is not much more than the cost for you and your boat to go out. I use to
fish Lake Fork a couple of times a year. 1/2 day with tip for guide was
about $175. He cleans boat, furnishes gear, and even teaches you something.
Buy a boat and spend your life towing. Normally I tow max about 150 miles
to most of the lakes and rivers I like. Once or twice a year to the Rogue
river. 40 miles. And maybe next year, up to the San Juans and Vancouver
Island for 3 or 4 weeks. Other than that, I am not towing.

Things to do before Spring launch
 

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 20:30:10 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:01:40 -0600, Skipper wrote:

Guaymas to Santa Rosalia.

So when is your next trip?

We eagerly await the report.

seriously, i have never done any fishing in that area - i would really
like to sometime in the future.

anybody want to get up a group charter? :)

You said, you were not leaving the country. ;( And how good is a one armed
fisherman? How can you scratch your ass while fishing?

Things to do before Spring launch
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:41:11 -0600, Skipper wrote:

Your really believe this NG has progressed to the point where trip
reports can be posted without the resultant insults?

I've posted a few with no insults from anyone but you.

So when is your next outing?


Only if you take technically inferior pictures.

Things to do before Spring launch
 

"Skipper" wrote in message
...
JohnH wrote:

Should one get the itch for *real* adventure, which would be the better
boat for a Cortez challenge?

I'd take the Parker, simply because it's bigger.

Not the best choice for this adventure, IMO.

--
Skipper

I have an aquaintance, and he drives his boat down to Cabo. A little bigger
than the Parker and he does well there. A 54' Med.

Things to do before Spring launch
 

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 17:37:14 -0500, " JimH" jimh_osudad@yahooDOT
comREMOVETHIS wrote:

Once the weather breaks I have a ton of work to do before we launch.

1. Rip out cockpit carpeting and install new carpeting.
2. Install new helm seat and pedestal.
3. Install second battery and A/B switch.
4. Gelcoat repair on 3 dings.
5. Epoxy coat the bottom (the boat was always trailered before and has no
bottom paint)
6. Bottom paint the bottom
7. Install bimini.
8. Install new CD player/FM radio.

Items 3, 7 and 8 may wait till the boat is launched and dockside....it all
depends on how fast I get the other stuff done and if the weather
cooperates.

So how about you? What things do you have to do to your boat before
Spring
launch.

wash, wax - launch.

New Nautolex flooring. Looks ugly. But that is just before late summer, as
I boat during the winter. Bur first have to finish the new Trex deck in the
back yard.

Things to do before Spring launch
 

On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 17:37:14 -0500, " JimH" jimh_osudad@yahooDOT
comREMOVETHIS wrote:

Once the weather breaks I have a ton of work to do before we launch.

1. Rip out cockpit carpeting and install new carpeting.
2. Install new helm seat and pedestal.
3. Install second battery and A/B switch.
4. Gelcoat repair on 3 dings.
5. Epoxy coat the bottom (the boat was always trailered before and has no
bottom paint)
6. Bottom paint the bottom
7. Install bimini.
8. Install new CD player/FM radio.

Items 3, 7 and 8 may wait till the boat is launched and dockside....it all
depends on how fast I get the other stuff done and if the weather
cooperates.

So how about you? What things do you have to do to your boat before Spring
launch.

There are things that I /should/ do, one of these years:

Additional fiberglassing around the transom and under the foredeck.
Repair gelcoat damage.
Repaint top and bottom.
Repaint the trailer.


Alas, I'll probably just have time to do what I've done for the past
couple years:

Apply new registration stickers.
Check the tiller rope's tension.
Check, change, and/or fill assorted lubes, greases, and oils.
Turn the key and motor away.


--
~/Garth - 1966 Glastron V-142 Skiflite: "Blue-Boat"
"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing about in boats." -- Kenneth Grahame
~~ Ventis secundis, tene cursum ~~

Things to do before Spring launch
 

" JimH" jimh_osudad@yahooDOT comREMOVETHIS wrote in message
. ..
Once the weather breaks I have a ton of work to do before we launch.

1. Rip out cockpit carpeting and install new carpeting.
2. Install new helm seat and pedestal.
3. Install second battery and A/B switch.
4. Gelcoat repair on 3 dings.
5. Epoxy coat the bottom (the boat was always trailered before and has no
bottom paint)
6. Bottom paint the bottom
7. Install bimini.
8. Install new CD player/FM radio.

Items 3, 7 and 8 may wait till the boat is launched and dockside....it all
depends on how fast I get the other stuff done and if the weather
cooperates.

So how about you? What things do you have to do to your boat before
Spring
launch.

Ironically, I find myself sorta dreading spring/summer. I love having the
whole pond and dock to myself! Our next boat will have an enclosed cabin,
which will even more suitable for winter boating.

http://www.c-dory.com/24%20description.htm

But in answer to your thread, I need to plumb hot water to the transom
shower. I did finally dial up my GPS navigational system, settling for
Nobeltec on my laptop.

-Greg

Things to do before Spring launch
 

Skipper wrote:
Don White wrote:

Why would a 25' Parker fail and a 22' Grady win?

Because Harry owns a Parker.

His towing inexperience, unfamiliarity with the destination, and
admitted coordination difficulties wouldn't help either. However, I
would be willing to assist or at least tell him where to get off.

--
Skipper
Skipper,
I am curious, why are the parameters you have established for the
"Challenge" the criteria one should look for in a boat? Other boats and
criteria can meet another persons needs better than the ones you have
outlined in the Challenge.

--
Reggie
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That's my story and I am sticking to it.

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