copafisher

Hobbitt, I had a look at their website (aus boating) for the one you saw "wavecatcher". Most impressive, I think I found my next boat to upgrade my 4.8 Stacer Bowrider. The missus liked it too, but its a "when we win lotto" boat (WaveCatcher Trailer & 115hp E-TEC Evinrude outboard package indicated at $38.000.00). Looking at the others in the range, I think I will get one of each when the lotto win comes through. Loved the storage/options on the 17' Pro Catamaran, love at first sight I might have to go and lust over it today, might even take the to show her what luxury she is missing out on.

Happy Birthday Jewgaffer, best wishes. 2 U 2 U 2U

Nice shots Ray, I was at Terrigal around midday looked great. As I said to the wife I should be out in the boat - why is it never that good on the day I plan on going out Since the Pasha bulker decided to park on Newcastle beach the has developed a massive hatred for the coal carriers, at times you can see up to 40 or more waiting offshore, which doesnt improve the view. Steve

Dad used to make rough farm knives from the larger power hacksaw blades by careful grinding to right shape and fixing a hose handle, you could even leave the saw on the back. I dont recall ever snapping one, so he must have been using some good quality blades. Having high carbon content they sharpened up quite well. Nothing pretty, certainly nothing as good as vipernut's dads creation, but on the farm they were cheap, rugged and if you lost it it took about 15 minutes to make another. Suprisingly they hardly ever got lost, not like all the pocket knives I went through. I have a couple of tool steel blanks I made into small skinning knives in my youth, will have to get them out and finish them off properly as they really hold their edge. The trick to a good knife is good steel and correct heat treatment, in my youth I cheated by using old files and a grind & quench method to make some good blades, I even cast an aluminium handle onto one at high school years ago but unfortunally lost it a long time ago. My grandfather had one made from a bandsaw blade, only prob is high carbon steel, which needs more care etc. Unfortunately I have got very used to a good stainless nowadays, particularly for fishing like Frosts & Kershaw and the many other good brands. Thanks for the advice on the show, will have to fire up the VCR. If anyones after material or wants to have a go making there own try http://www.knivesaustralia.com.au/supplies.html. There is plenty here to spark any interest, just dont tell the you found another pastime . regards Steve

Hey Bullethead, I have a 3-4 yr old Stacer easyrider. We had a similar problem when our young bloke, his mates and friends kids turned 12. We try and base around a convenient access beach now when tubing etc. Another aspect to be aware of - people on tubes, skis etc count also. We bought a 3 person hotdog in summer, so now with 3 on the hotdog can only legally carry the driver and observer in the boat with 3 up. Many times I wish I had gone up a size with ours now to allow 6, but the cost was more than the budget. More room for fishing etc too, the 4.89 doesnt have a huge amount of space behind the driver but we get around OK, just keep shooing them up the front. Another prob with the big hotdog is room on the boat when trying to motor somewhere, the tube used to squeese in up front, with the hotdog we put it on a shortened line and tow it empty till we get were we want to. I did my practical training in one of the largest Stacer bowrider, would love to own one of those If you are near the Central coast, PM me and let me know if you want to experience the size etc on the water with the family. The newer model has a different transom but appears to be basically the same. Cant promise on the weather at the moment though Steve

I might have to start a book if I keep remembering these ! Prawning trip about 4-5 yrs ago at China beach with the 10yr old son. Put the car keys in a spare bucket which I left on the beach while we prawned. Hardly catching any, so the young bloke beeing bored went back to the beach, he came back out to me later with the spare bucket in hand which he had half filled with some water. 1 hours wait for the NRMA, who arrived & rebooted the security system by removing battery leads. NRMA guy said had to wait another hour for it to hopefully reset. It didnt, had to call a taxi and wait another hour to get home around 3-4am. Result - let the prawns go we had so few, $80 taxi, back the next day to pickup car, the wife got a new key recut for $125 at Holden (only needed to redo the security part for about $60)

Did that one recently, after the boat hadnt gone anywhere for months. I actually had the boat in the water, the better half on board for a nice day out, motor started, kindly pushed out by a young bloke awaiting his ride nearby.... Looked like a real idiot trying to get back to the ramp using forward and reverse, especially as it was on full lock. Learnt some more maintenance tips from that incident. Steve

Bad luck Ray, we had no luck at Brooklyn either today. At least you caught some fish, even if only bait.. Was thinking to try around Lion Island today but the forecast had Brooklyn looking better (and closer as I was picking the boat up from Huey at Cowan). How does Hutcho find the baitboard/rod holder combo ? I have a similar smaller one but it never seems to sit really stable on the ski pole and the board leaks into the boat right on the back seat. see ya out there some time hopefully (with plenty of fish ) steve

Nice fish guys, didn't have any luck today ourselves but was great to be out anyway. what 30-0 win ??? lol steve

Picked up the boat from its service at Hueys, then Peter (my young bloke) and I went straight to Brooklyn to get the lay of the land (not having been there for some years), essential suppl-pies and some nice squid. Unfortunately due to the delay in getting a 15 yr old out of bed and breakfasted , me ensuring we had everything, picking up the boat etc etc we didn't get to Parsley Bay and on the water till midday. Motored round Dangar the long way and then drifted back from the rail bridge while rigging up for jew. The sounder showed small fish at 10-15ft all the way around but no bites on small squid strips. Went back past the rail bridge and then dragged the anchor till it finally took, leaving us between the new & old pylons. Fish sign (or something ?) still on the sounder around 15 ft but still no bites. Current was getting bad by 2 so drifted back to calmer waters and got the whole squid down near the bottom. Something then played silly buggers with the whole squid bait for about a half hour but never got a decent take, just the occasional slow take of line. Eventually left around 3 after an enjoyable but fishless day. I found out out why fisherman are always on the water by 4 or 5:am - its so the won't get up and give you half a dozen jobs to do before you go On the way back found a promising new spot & structure to try next time, will have to PM jewgaffer and query his extensive knowledge Steve PS Hueys fixed the skeg & broken hydrofoil etc so now I can deny ever running aground or trying to back the car over the top of the boat, cause I left the prop down http://fishraider.com.au/Invision/index.ph...=31875&hl=#

I think jewgaffers is the best I obviously haven't been fishing long enough, I only got a few of those listed. I can add though - the one I am sure everyones done, cast without flipping the bail (great fun in a small slightly crowded boat when the actions hot, with lures & trebles) - having the boat/trailer mount the bowser guard rail at the servo when I went to fill up for the first time after picking it up (I'm glad they had the sense to put them in) - left the boat in gear to hold it against the trailer, connected the winch strap and then have the ferry wake unseat the boat while its in gear & connected to a loose winch strap while I stand there wondering to I go for the boat or locking the strap ? (the salesman made it look easy - never done that ever again) - backing down the drive, wondering why eventually it would not go back further (motor down, resultant bent the skeg which is still not fixed) - drove off with the motor down (dint learn the first time, now I have a shorter bent skeg) - driven through a massive storm, showering cars passing in the next lane with a huge volume of water being pumped out by the bilge (the bilge pump works but it wouldn't happen if I had taken the bungs out) - launched the boat, sitting at the wharf trying to get the damned thing started, eventually to put it back on and leave (all witnessed by my young bloke, people on the wharf etc) only to realise at home I hadnt switched "off" the kill switch - ran aground within 200m of the ramp (it is one I use all the time - my mate was to blame, couldnt open a packet of prawns) - left the bait trap in the boat with a handful of chicken pellets in it, then had to vacuum maggots out of the carpet a week later (should have used them for bait) As I have much training in safety, investigations, human error/factors etc I can now blame "human error", so I can in hindsight recognise why I stuff up (either that or I am forgetful, getting old or losing it) steve

Had the same thought too John. A bowrider as well, almost looks like mine (480 Easyrider), though I dont have a GPS unit yet. Nice setup ReAct. Steve

After L4 restrictions were introduced on the Central Coast you couldnt even flush your motor without breaking the law, so bought and installed a water tank (wasn't too hard as the works for a manufacturer). Funnily installation was delayed for 2 weeks due to rain ! Now no problems washing, though I am more water wise now. The tank has had so much water go through it since I installed it I reckon I could have filled Warragamba from my roof alone (no diversion valve/fitting). If you can, get a tank, not too hard to install. With the rain we have had lately across the east coast, a number of manufacturers are having good sales to move stock. Might have to think about getting a big one and set it up with trout/bass for bad weather or fishraider competition lol. Steve

Will be picking up the boat from Huey on Saturday and weather permitting having a fish in Hawkesbury or closer to home around Brisbane waters etc Maybe NOT according to BOM forecast, winds appear to be picking up again good fishing steve

Byron, Any ideas for Saturday ? I will be picking the boat up from Huey and thought perhaps explore around the rail bridge, never having fished there before. Or possibly go to my usual spots around Brisbane Waters or Broken Bay from somewhere closer to home (Copacabana) where I at least know where baitfish, fish, holes, depths etc are. Wish you all the best for your upcoming operation, perhaps while you are recuperating we can still get you out landbased where you can regale us with your sage advice. Someone might even be able to cast & reel in "your" fish for you while you give directions . best wishes Steve

Hey Ray, not as gloomy as today. My camera/skills probably make it look worse lol. Steve

Went out rock fishing with some locals a few years ago, one of the blokes had a beach rod/speedmaster combo that had a permanent bend near the tip from being left rigged up etc . Didnt appear to affect his ability to cast huge distances with it. He reckoned it had no effect at all and had been like that for some years. Apart from looking bad, does anyone know if the bend has a detrimental effect ? I store my rods vertical and always back any rigged rods off when I get them home, but see many beach rods stored in garage rafters due to their length. tight lines Steve

Excellent find Roberta, though I think the authors comments "Hey, 5,000 words into this and we’re actually getting to the “how-to” part" shows how much detail there is. I am going to print it out and read it all later. If he thinks a kitchen is bad on knives he's obviously never been fishing! I know how bad I am at times, I have been known to use a piece river rock or even concrete to sharpen a blunt knife (cheap filleter or outside/garden knife, defitely not one of my good ones !). Amazingly a good river rock can be as good as the Arkansas stones mentioned, I read some years back how Africans use them to sharpen hunting/skinning knives and have tried them a number of times. keep your edges sharp, blunt knives cut worse that sharp cheers Steve

Fixed up the stuck steering last weekend (just needed a goood clean & grease), though being the first time for me and the shitty weather it took a couple of days all up. Wont let that happen again ! Had one look at the weather and decided the boat was definetly going to Huey for its service etc., so will be towing it down there tomorrow. Was tossing up putting in for a while at Hawkesbury R but will be on my own and the weather and exposure might be a problem. Can always LB once I drop the boat off, if I can find a sheltered possie, maybe ATB ? Will get a second chance next weekend when I pick it up too tight lines Steve

QUOTE(jacksea @ Jun 6 2008, 02:57 PM) mate i suppose winnie bay is out of the equation!!!! The walk out is worse.........its all up hill. Its a nice road though, not some bad tangly track. Stewy, where abouts at Winnie Bay were you getting the kings and bonnies ? Was down there last year right near the sewage outfall, the salmon were so thick that they were at our feet to as far as I could cast a 65g with a beach rod. Only got a couple of hookups, but it was good fun. Dont go there often, your not allowed to keep the fish as its a sewage outfall and Avoca, Terrigal etc are easier to get to. Regards Steve

What species would you target and what bait & rig would you recommend jewgaffer ? Any suggestions ? That would make a 3:20am start tomorrow morning for a .26m low at 5:20, it was a .22m low this morning. The missus would definitely think I am up to no good going out at 2 or 3 in the morning or nuts The sth cnr should be protected from the sth wind and SE swell. Not sure what Avocas like at the moment, the surfcams and replays are down. Might drive over for a look at low tide, Copacabana's pretty messy at the moment but its exposed to swell & wind. iricangi - they dont bother with a tow in there, its only a short jump & paddle from the rocks, just need to get your entrance right or you end up back on them. Thanks Steve

Put me down for the radio course, I couldnt make the last one. Boat/trailer setup, maintenance, safety equip/tools, fishing courtesy, operating outside etc sounds good too. I would be interested. Perhaps a boat setup/review & fishing day down at ATB. Maybe twist Huey's arm to attend ? I am sure it might direct some business his way too, to support corp sponsors. I would also be interested in live bait catching, hanbling, keeping alive, tank setup. Thanks, will keep an eye on this post. Steve

Thanks guys, I will pull it apart and see what needs doing. I have a small cylinder hone which might be the go if I find any bad corrosion. From my web searchs it looks like there has been many people over the years with a similar problem at some stage (until you learn the hard way ) and all sorts of solutions. I always use marine grease, despite even recently being advised at a boat shop that std grease is OK. No sense saving yourself a few dollars to cost you lots. I do use Innox, mainly as a protective coat, it gets quite hard when salt gets into it. I think I will stick to the recommended methods and make sure I do more frequent maintenance and the steering movements etc. Thanks again Steve

Thanks Craig, I will have a look at it and see what needs to be done. I think just a good clean and regrease may fix it, but wont know till I pull it apart. The cable was not tight and appeared OK when it first happened, just the inital lock. Will let you know when I pull it down , hopefully Friday. I will give you a call when I do, I want to book in for a service and some advice re trailer/boat recovery setup and some other things. So will have to arrange some time to book her in and drive down to Cowan. Thanks again Steve

Hey guys, Have not had the boat out for a while and found the steering locked up last time I went out, got it free by moving steering wheel back/forward. Doing some maintenance today to check why locked up, I found it again solidly locked up. Put additional grease in and tried freeing it - no luck. Removed the steering link rod to check if boat or motor. Confirmed its the boat side, somewhere in the cable. Not sure what the cause is, likely corrosion somewhere, though I did read in the manual about hydraulic lock occurring. Though its only supposed to occur if you add lubricant (grease) when the steering cable end is fully extended, mine is fully retracted. Would it have anything to do with the fact that for the first 2 years I was leaving it extended & exposed when I parked the boat, while I make sure its retracted now. Was also an area that was not getting a good flushing until we got our rainwater tank. When I checked the manual I realised how little I really knew about how it operates and found little if anything in the manual. Don’t have any diagrams or details really and don’t want to excessively tinker/pull it apart without understanding how it works. It’s a 3-4 yr old 4.8m Stacer bowrider with a 2 stroke 75HP Mariner which I have been promising to get it to Huey for a number of other reasons and a service. Will have to be sooner rather than later, don’t want dodgy steering . Any ideas ? Is it likely to be the cable or the end or hydraulic lock, the wheel end appears OK. Thanks Steve