Hull identification

Malboer wrote:

Good looking vessel

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OK, looking at the pic, I would try and shift the batteries x 2 to the centre consul (inside) less weight at the back, how many fuel cans you intend taking with you? As, I mentioned, I have only fish with 2 onboard, my buddy, is 6' + plus chap, me average, so weight distribution will certainly be something to look at with surf launches etc. Also say you are 3 x PAX fishing, and for example you hook a nice Serra / GT, all the okes mustn't come and view your fish at once, see the boat will not flip over, I have seen it perform in shitty weather between Maputo and Inhaca, I went low low in the bay, lots and lots of sandbanks, currents, chops and turns - it was a scout mission - I would not say it was a stupid move by me, however I discovered some "gems" such as good boat based spinning spots. Other boats will not dare to cross over in "the line / route" we took...as one minute the water is 1mtr the next 13mts...bit of a washing machine. Look at a map of the bay and you will see what I am talking about.

Malboer wrote:

Good looking vessel

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I suppose because it was a spearo boat, it's not fitted with a "Trolling Bar" ???? You can use thinnish diameter SS tubing to sort that out, what I did instead of the traditional 2 or 3 rod holders on trolling bar, for trolling - I squeezed in 5! Now why this, simple I use the inboard ones for rods storage rigged with lures already, as you are very limited on such a small craft regarding storage of gear / rods etc. Like I said, when you have time, drive out to my spot one day, and we can chat etc.

Thanks Serra first hand info is always best. I have got a rollbarr for the back. But seeing as i think she will be heavy in the back already i dont want to add extra weight. Mostly will fish only 2 up anyway. And always fair weather lucky im no cowboy ha ha ha.batteries in the cc for sure. At milli we dont fish far so will only carry 2x 25lt tanks of fuel.

Malboer wrote:

Thanks Serra first hand info is always best. I have got a rollbarr for the back. But seeing as i think she will be heavy in the back already i dont want to add extra weight. Mostly will fish only 2 up anyway. And always fair weather lucky im no cowboy ha ha ha.batteries in the cc for sure. At milli we dont fish far so will only carry 2x 25lt tanks of fuel.

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That is right, where you are fishing you don't have to run out 30nm to fishing spots, so 2 will be fine. Another pointer, I have 2 x VHF radios they are fixed inside my CC...only the one's mic wiring run out of CC, with grommet and silicon, 2 x FF and a GPS plotter on dash, again all wiring with grommets and silicon, as we have established it is a super wet ride, and you will be doing surf launching. Not sure if you gonna use your "fish hatch" for fish? I don't - # 1 Storage (not much storage available, I bought those Jet Ski saddle bags x 2, and they just clip on from mid ships to for'd, easy to clean, I have fixed deck pump (bilge pump wired in) and just rinse / keep the fish fresh with letting in run into saddle bags, also, it's easy once you return to shore, just unclip the bags and take you fish. All my hatches, seal super 100%, I used those automotive black foam strips, they are about 2cm in wide, and you just peel the strip and "plak" them. I glued those "yoga type mats" on the deck, then covered them with Flotex carpets - non slip etc

Forgot to add this, regarding the trolling bar, you don't really need a heavy duty outfit, the weight won't make that much difference anyway, you can also add some rod holders on you CC I added 4, of course it sounds like an overkill, and we know on small boat you can only do 3 or 4 rods at a time, providing you know how to steer / turn / recover the lure spread without tangling it. Fact, after a few outings you will see, what you need or not, and how you can fit stuff on a small boat. I use to do this, in the past I use to decide OK, today....I will take bigger rods and boat based spinning gear, cool tomorrow I will take stuff for bottoms and plugging gear....next day, jigging and drop shotting stuff, what I am saying is due to the lack of space /storage, one need to plan a bit on a small boat. When I use to stay at Inhaca on week trips I use to send my assistants / workers over with my bags / food / lots and lots of extra tackle / extra fuel cans - they take the ferry boat to the Island spent the day with me, lunch and beers, then go back. on the return a week later they come over again, then take the fish (only for the pot) + other goodies back. I have 4 x barrel bags, a bit bigger than your Army Kit Bag, PVC and 100% waterproof, then my wife just meet then at the ferry station in Maputo or drop off etc. On the Radio side, again DON'T get an old F'd up 29Mhz, not used or accepted in Moz anyway, buy a midrange VHF from "KillerDeals" in Durban. I have only ever used my VHF talking to the club when coming back to Maputo, that's if they answer you....so you pretty much know the situation in Moz.

Although the next tip is more applicable to Maputo Bay and surrounding areas, seeing that there's always flotsam in the bay, ropes / packaging / fishing lines / netting / long lines = some locals make long lines for sharks / rays, anyway, this often gets in the props, so the okes in the know, keep a good good knife or 2 onboars + fins / mask / snorkel to cut "whatever" wrapped around the props out.

I will have to make new hatch covers that seal down properly. I also thought bout using fish bags. Regarding Radio im only doing my vhf src course end of may. Even though it as you say most likely not much help downhere.I will still fit it as even some launch sites in S.A wont let you launch without it. Even if you are Cat E rated.

Are you gonna handle the boat / electronics project yourself?

Yes i have vast experience with glasswork. The electric side i will have a friend in Nelspruit do for me. Even though im not totally lost in the electrical department a small mistake can be very expensive.

Sweet then 1/2 the battle won cost wise, but in Moz you need more stuff / equipment when launch, I should have a list somewhere, will check tonight

Yes i know so it will be great if you could find that list. Got all the
S.A safety equipment still need life ring and mooring pole for moz. The guys at milli know me well and dont hassle to much. But better to keep everything in order for when you get someone who knows better ha ha ha

OK, let me see:

1. Boat Hook, croque (Telescopic, any boat shop +/- R 330)

2. 30mts rope attached to Life Buoy

3. 2 x SS buckets

4. Spare anchor and rope

5. Bottles of Water

6. Emergency rations, I just wrap up pro vitas

7. Flags - A - V -

8. Chart of area you fish at (Buy scanned copies in Durban)

9. Tide Table booklet


Might be other smallish stuff??? Will check later, anyway you have lots of time