kw367

G'day Pretend Fisho, A few years ago I bought a 5.8 metre Whittley which had been kept in dry storage and didn't have a trailer. I bought a cheaper brand of trailer and had nothing but trouble. In the end I got so frustrated I sold the trailer and went with the preferred Whittley cradle. PM me if you like, and I can give you some more info. Kenny

Now I'm not normally one to get the sh**ts, but last Saturday, I had to wait at Berowra ramp because someone had parked their boat ON THE RAMP, whilst getting their trailer. We're talking about a 5 metre plus boat here too, not some tinny. Then, they had the nerve to push in & back the trailer down the ramp BESIDE their boat, thereby now taking up 2 spots. GRRRRR!

All my questions answered.. Thanks Warnie!

Hi Raiders, Need some advice here. I'm booked to take 6 year old son PJ on a whale watching tour off Sydney on Sunday. Trouble is he is a bit prone to sea sickness. I was going to see if travel sickness pills are OK for a 6 year old to take. BUT to make matters worse, BOM is forecasting winds increasing to 20-30 knots on Sunday, whereas Seabreeze says about 15 knots. Who do I believe?

Went out on the Hawkesbury solo today, without son PJ who is spending the weekend with Mum. Was nonetheless great to be out there. Lost several hooks, and was wondering what might have been taking them. Started using long shanks and landed a couple of school jewies and just under size bream. One of the jewies had swallowed the (long shank) hook, leading me to think that they might have been the culprits. Have any Raiders had a similar experience in the area, or have any idea as to what else may have been responsible (i.e. flathead, although I've never caught one at Bar Point). No pics today as I didn't have the photogenic one with me! Will put out a call to other boatless Raiders next time, maybe I could get some hot tips!!

Have sent you a PM Nathan.

I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure! (sorry, that was a really lame old joke I know!)

Just to add to what Robbie says, if you can see more trailer in one mirror than the other, you need to turn the steering wheel in that direction to correct it, e.g. if there is more trailer in the right hand mirror, turning the wheel to the right should correct this.

I'm loving your whole boat buying saga Locodave! More twists than an Agatha Christie novel. It's better than if I was getting a new boat myself.......oh, hang on, I might be!!

You lost me after "G'day Locodave"!

In answer to your first question (I'm sure Huey will correct me if I'm wrong), the Quinny has level flotation, which means it will float the correct way up even if swamped with up to five people on board. It can take up to seven people, but is only rated for basic flotation with this many, (which means it may invert). As for questions 2 & 3.....HELP HUEY!!!

Just out of interest, what sort of boat are you getting Locodave?

G'day Wastin (can I call you that for short?) I have PM'ed you an alternate supplier, as well as a picture. Hope this helps!

Thanks Huey, I'll check it out!

Done Huey, thanks! Here is a picture of my boats cockpit to give you an idea of the colour scheme. Note the swivel under the passenger seat but not the skippers! Thanks again! Kenny

Here is a link showing a picture of the seat in question. Cheers!

Hi Quinny & Stacer Owners with the flippy seats! Just wondering how you guys like this type of seat. I'm thinking of putting one in my Bayliner because I can't fit a swivel under the driver's seat. It would make it much better to fish out of in Summer, as PJ and I could both shelter under the bimini whilst facing the back of the boat. Thaaaanx!

That boat doesn't look anything like the Berowra Ferry!

Jeez Huey, you're making me feel lazy!! I don't mind winching by hand, as long as I can drive the boat on partially I'll be happy, and not have to tie a rope to the front and pull it on etc etc. I'm used to the Bayliner skid trailer, which you basically have to dunk quite a ways or else it's too hard to winch up.

I would be that member Jewgaffer refers to, and he raises some very valid points. The downsize I am considering would be my second in recent years, having had a Whittley Monterey before the Bayliner. Whilst the Whittley was a great boat, a day on the water used to be somewhat jaded by the thought that at the end of the day, I've got to (largely singlehandedly) get this thing back on the trailer and then spend a couple of hours returning it to a pristine state, and then because it was too big to garage, cumbersomely put a tarp over it! The Bayliner, although a similar length (6 metres), is sooo much easier to handle solo, being a bowrider. It is also much easier to clean and store, but to me it's a matter of horses for courses. I figure if I'm fishing 90% of the time, why not, as Jewgaffer suggests, have something which suits that purpose. A 220hp V8 seems like overkill running up and down Berowra Creek. An aluminium runabout with a 90hp would still allow me to ski for 10% of the time, but would probably be more practicable for the majority of the time. A quick rinse & flush of the motor and she's ready to put in the garage which the Bayliner is too wide to fit into! And when it all comes down to it, it's great just being out on the water, no matter what sort of boat you're in!! Having said all that, I'll probably keep the Bayliner for a little while yet, it's more of a chick magnet now that I'm separated!!!

Hmmm, that looks like a Bayliner...someone told me they make great anchors! (Relax Bayliner owners, I've got one too!)

You mean laugh all the way to my ex-wife's bank! Another question for youse guys. I've always been a drive on/off the trailer sort a guy. First with a Whittley with a roller trailer and lately with the Bayliner with it's American skid type trailer. Can I do this with the typical skid type tinny trailer? I'd be happy to winch the last part, but no ropes and pulling on for me!!

G'day Raiders, Long time no posts! I've been a bit distracted lately...separating from your will do that to you!!! ANYWAY....nuff about that for now. PJ and I got out for a on the Hawkesbury for the first time in months today. I thought the river, and fishing was quiet a few months ago, but it was even more so today. Managed a smallish Flatty and Bream, as well as one noiiccee bream (photos later in another post). ANYHOO, thats not the reason for this post. Since separating I've been thinking about selling the 20ft Bayliner bowrider and getting something smaller, in a bid to cut costs, easier to store etc. I'm thinking about an aluminium runabout of about 15ft with about a 75hp motor (still want to be able to ski at a pinch). Got my eye on a new Bermuda Island Shore at the moment. Not to fussed about getting a DFI or a four stroke, I'm tipping ANY 75hp will be cheaper to run than a 220hp sterndrive!!! Sooo, what do you think raiders, am I going to be disappointed with the stability, ride etc., having being used to a "limo"? Or will the practicality, better suitability to fishing + a bit of money left over in my sky rocket have me cheering??!! Thaanks!!

Hmmm....methinks any attempts to catch YFT or BFT in this boat could only lead to NEWS reports!!