Kolibri SeaCat KM-380

[chipko]

Thanks for the comments chaps. [emoji106]

Steve, I’ll be fitting a couple of 42mm dia. transom drains from Ribstore to compensate for the woefully lacking standard sliding fitting.

https://www.ribstore.co.uk/products/...nsom-drain-kit

Yeah, also like the colour. Going to accessorise with matching orange ropes, straps, anchor tub etc. Sad or what!

Easedalenovice, based purely visually on general fit and finish of components and materials then the Boatworld Kat would just get my vote at this stage. Having said that I think we need to bear in mind both boats are budget copies of more established makes.

[Fenlander]

>> matching orange ropes, straps, anchor tub etc.

Leaving the yellow wheel club on this one?

Temptation is out there...

https://www.roostersailing.com/produ...SABEgKMA_D_BwE

[chipko]

Nice find Mr F.

Ordering a pair as we speak. [emoji106]

[Fenlander]

All you need now is a pair of cycling gloves like mine for the launch display.

[Oldman2]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

All you need now is a pair of cycling gloves like mine for the launch display.

Maybe not....

[chipko]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

All you need now is a pair of cycling gloves like mine for the launch display.

Very tempting Mr F, they’ll go well with my orange hat and crocs.

Sad thing is all this lot will also match our little rib as well.[emoji106]

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by chipko

Very tempting Mr F, they’ll go well with my orange hat and crocs.

Sad thing is all this lot will also match our little rib as well.[emoji106]


Attachment 144157

Crikey! That photo brings back memories. The last time I used that launch, the tractor driver was the drummer from Showaddywaddy.

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Crikey! That photo brings back memories. The last time I used that launch, the tractor driver was the drummer from Showaddywaddy.

Haha snap I was looking earlier & thinking what group was the tractor driver from[emoji1787][emoji1787]

[chipko]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Crikey! That photo brings back memories. The last time I used that launch, the tractor driver was the drummer from Showaddywaddy.

He still lives here by the beach.
Tractor in the pic was Jim’s (bless him) but we now have new more reliable operators with big orange tractors. [emoji106]

[Steve509926]

Hi Chipko, can you hand launch on transom wheels at Beadnell?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Hi Chipko, can you hand launch on transom wheels at Beadnell?

You used to be able to, but that was over 20years ago, not sure what the position is nowadays.

[chipko]

Steve, yes it’s free if you’re hand launching. This season the operator’s Beadnell Boat Launch have been keeping the gate from the car park open. All they ask is a voluntary donation to the RNLI

[Steve509926]

Think it's about time I ventured back upto the North East, it's been a few years since we have been.

[Fenlander]

Funnily enough Mrs F has been up that NE area for work courses and conferences in years gone by but it's an unfamiliar area to me. She keeps saying we should give it a look.... and if orange is the favoured fashion I can make the dress code.

[Steve509926]

Stunning area David. Diane and I lived in Hexham for five years back in the 90s and have so many fond memories. Worth a visit with or without your sib.

[Fenlander]

Yep will have to put it on the list for research. Compared to some of our jaunts to Scotland it's but a modest hop up the A1 and turn right a bit.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Yep will have to put it on the list for research. Compared to some of our jaunts to Scotland it's but a modest hop up the A1 and turn right a bit.

Northumberland is a hidden gem, we’ve spent many holidays around Seahouses/Beadnell/Craster/Bamburgh and further up, Lindisfarne/Eyemouth/St Abbs. It’s a fantastic area.

[beamishken]

The whole of the north east coast can be a fascinating place to visit from hartlepool north there are plenty of sights to see. Its my home ground so Im biased but well worth visiting, open to the north sea so conditions can be variable & far worse than the Scottish west coast where there is usually somwhere to hide. The rivers Tyne & Wear offer good opportunity for exploring from fish quays past shipbuilding facilites & industry up to countryside, the Wear is navigable on a big tide past washington wildfoul park almost as far as chester le street & the Tyne almost as far as wylam on a big tide. New ish marina at seaham & Marsden grotto worth a look if you can beach land. St marys lighthouse & coquet island off amble & the farnes & holy isle all worth visiting & many more inbetween maybe not all by boat but certainly an underrated part of the country.
Durham city is well worth a visit if the weather isn't playing ball for boating. & Newcastle for nightlife if you want a lively night out. Kynren in Durham is amazing you have to go to understand what it is.

[chipko]

Finally got the Kolibri wet today, only on the river mind, so don’t get too excited! Local river levels finally returning to near normal after recent floods, but still running briskly with murky waters and lots of flotsam to avoid.

Super easy trundle down the slip fully loaded on transom wheels and left the trailer in the car park. Open bow means you can just step on at waters edge, without even getting your feet wet.

Out the box ran okay to be honest and mostly as expected one up plus kit with the 15hp two stroke running an 11” pitch prop. Topped out at 19/20 knots with motor pulling 5300 revs. Absolutely no ventilation whatsoever even in tight turns under power, and able to be trimmed out on pin 3 and even 4. Today motor run raised on 8mm spacer and lots of splashing approaching 4500rpm and over, so needs to go up. Next time out will be taking a good few more spacers and a nice touch being the inner transom plate on slotted fixings allowing around 20mm vertical adjustment plus spacers.

Admittedly only run on flat water but seems to handle just like other cats we’ve piloted and, as a budget model, looking okay at the moment. Corners flat with tenacious grip in the turns, pops quickly onto plane and rides flat with no noticeable bow steering. Won’t really know if it’s any good until we can play in the sea/surf, but that will not be before spring next year. Only nagging concern is the limited height of the raised deck being only 100mm (nearer 150mm the norm) and if this will have a negative effect on choppy water. All good today though on flat river water and still okay playing in the not inconsiderable choppy wash from the bigger river cruisers.

Fairly happy so far.

[Steve509926]

Bet it was good to get it out on the water chipko, bit envious if you got out today as it was such a nice day.