numbers

Alex Not too sure of your level of experience in boats, but you should also take into consideration where YOUR limits are also. If YOU don't feel confident heading outside, then don't. The best thing to do is head out with someone who heads outside regularly & learn from them. I grew up around boats, but have not ventured outside for a fish, so I'll be engaging an expert if i decide to head past the heads. Hope that helps. Most inportantly - Enjoy your boat!!!!!! Andrew

I was listening to the radio too, and they mentioned BREAM is one of the species we will be advised to throw back!!!!! Why can't these companies polluting our waterways be stopped? Why do we need manufacturers like these along our great waterways? One good thing to come out of this will be seeing the effect of stopping the commercial (fishing) operators in the area for a while - should mean more catches for us guys (and girls too - wouldn't forget you Donna!!) even if we can't take one or two for the table. what a start to the day.

Dorf I'd go with basic_fisho's theory - more weight on the tow ball. Maybe you could move the winch post forward to bring the boat further up the trailer, therefore allowing more weight on the tow ball??? Just a thought. Numbers

Happened to a mate of mine (Bogger) at the wharf rd ramp on the parra river. Came back to the ramp at about 11.00 am after an early launch to find the ute (beautiful black SS Holden ute!!!) with no trialer. He tried a local boat sales place & they refused him the use or hire of a trailer!!! (don't know which one). Some phone call ensued - a "mate of a mate" who had a similar boat was a builder & had never met Bogger downed tools (he was working), went home & got his boat, took it down to the ramp & dropped his boat in the water to pick up Bogger's boat (leaving apprentice to watch builder's boat), dumped Bogger's boat on his mother-in-laws front lawn & went back, collected his boat (& apprentice) and went bak to work. aroud 4 hours work lost for the builder!!!! WOULD NOT ACCEPT MONEY!!!!! he said hopefully someone would return the favour should that happen to him one day!!!!! (Sorry for the drawn-out story, but it's allways good to share a bit of good news - except for the stolen trailer) The poice said that stolen boat trailers are RARELY recovered. Ever since this event, Bogger allways locks his trailer to the car (not 100% guarantee - but at least it is something!). Probably a good idea to keep a couple of phone numbers handy of people with similar boats - just in case!!!! Numbers.

That's gotta be the best fishing report i've ever read! Straight up story, including a bit of "the one that got away", technical components ("it LOOKED deep") & generally just out for a good time. Catchin' fish is good, but just gettin' out there is 90% of the enjoyment. Thanks Jo

Sharky I've had the same thought bouncing around in my head for a while (having spend heaps of time in & around ski boats), however with limited time to complete such a project when the time comes I think I'll be buying a unit ready-to-go (more fishing time! & less nagging "when are you going to finish that piece of junk?!?!?!?" ). The poly option is looking good for me. Couple of things i had on my issues list: Most of the outboard ski boats tend to be pretty unstable (wouldn't like to be walking around on the nose of one) Most of the bullets, machos, matras etc tend to have really old outboards on them (heavy, thirsty & could be unrealiable - i'm no mechanic) Some of those older skiboats have pretty suspect transoms & floors (i'm not a boat-builder or carpenter either). I had been keeping my eye out for a 16 foot lewis with an outboard - Rare as rocking horse poo!!!!!!! The lewis boats are pretty flat, so are stable & have a nice big front deck (perfect to cut open for a casting deck. The ultimate Fish & Ski!!!!!! Mate, i hope you do give it a go & make sure you post pictures when it's done. Numbers

Ken are "New Members" OK to get on this list? If so - please add me to the list. (I'll need all the help the DVD's can give me!!!) Cheers Numbers

Lesta I have done a bit of skiing in my time in some mighty quick boats. Most skiing was done behind a 15' Dancraft with a 115 suzuki - lots of fun. The whole skiing issue will depend mostly on the skier's abilities & size. If you are towing kids who can ski - you should be fine. The hardest bit will be deep starts (takes a LOT of power if you have someone hefty out back). If you need an experimental skier give me a shout (you're only around the corner). I'm only a lightweight (70kg) & there is always the trick of the beach start with about 60ft (of a 75ft rope) slack to give the boat time to get up to speed - hope your ski hooks are on tight! I'm looking at getting a similar boat setup some time soon, so let us know how you go. Cheers Numbers

A Great report on the Swamsea boat ramps. Yes maps allways help. Especially for non-locals. Could Ken, Iain or one of the guys shoot that over into the Boat Ramp Information for future reference. (I hope to use that one in the future & will forget where i seen the great report!!!!) Cheers Numbers

FSHIIIN Kind of New here myself, but like you have been visiting for a while. I'm hoping to get some exams out of the way & get out this summer. I'll be takin' some of your advice & trying Hen & chicken area. Don't worry about size mate - at least they're jumpin' on the line!!!! (AND any fish you catch is more than i'm catchin' right now!!!) Cheers Numbers

Welcome to the site Basserman. Only joined today myself - have been checking out the site for a while though. Beautiful fish. Well done.