boats

I’m happy to report that the boat is in the water. I would NEVER attempt this project again. However, I am very pleased with the results. The boat rebuild was entirely too much labor. Hopefully my carpal tunnel will heal in time for the first tournament. It would be nice to be able to feel a strike, if it happens. Attached to this email are before and after pics. The wood deck is gone. Bow deck and Stern decks are extended with below-deck storage. The new carpet is feeling great under-foot. None of which will help with catching big limits, but the napping potential is excellent at the bow. First trip on Loch Raven was great. Max and I had lots of action. We ran north to the Warren road bridge and then headed south into the Hamptons. We had to give the new batteries a good workout. Great day on the water! I was surprised that we only saw 1 MRA boat this trip. Hope to see you on the water!

Note to self: “when you are planning to spend more time on the water, don’t rebuild your boat starting in late March”. One big mistake I made when building my reservoir rig 6 years ago, was to use wood for the deck. Since I needed to replace my batteries this season, I decided to replace the wood decks with aluminum, including extending the elevated front deck, and adding storage. Being high and dry in April notwithstanding, the decision is one that I am still happy with. The wood deck and supporting members were too heavy and became much heavier in wet weather. The change to aluminum decks will substantially reduce weight, improve safety, and the redesign will provide a much better fishing platform. Unfortunately, weather and work commitments forced me to start the process late in March. As a result, neither my boat nor I have touched the water in 2014. With a little luck, it should be ready in the next 10 days. This has to be the only year since I was 10 years old that I have made it to mid-April without wetting a line. The rest of the 2014 campaign plan is still in effect. More to come…

We all can't wait to get our boats in the water and start fishing this year. The extremely cold winter has taken its toll on us and possibly our boats as well. When you launch your boat for the first time this season it is a good idea to wait a few minutes to inspect your boat for possible leaks. Bilge pump hoses and or livewell hoses or the pumps themselves are susceptible to splitting due to colder temps especially if water was left in them. ( one year I had a battery shift and broke the PVC collar in cold weather) . I was glad I had taken my time that day, I could hear the water rushing in!! If I would have ran straight up the lake I would never had heard it,until possibly too late. So take all of the possible precautions,wear life jackets take extra clothing and let someone know where you are fishing.Be Safe!