maiden voyage today

[RibinSpain]

hi, after all the advice on here I bought a Zodiac Activ V 340 + yam 15hp 2 stroke.

Today was my first day out so I drove down the slip, a concert is on tonight so it was all closed & the Police were towing cars away. Dam, oh, I have the transom wheels so I parked 100 yards away, pumped her up with the Aldi 4.99 special. 90% there just the manual pump to get the pressure correct.

Walked down the slip with the new toy, ever so easy this walking launch thing. Rowed 50 yards & started her up, first time starter, gosh!

2 hours along coast to next marina for coffee & brandy (3e bargain). Nice to be out of the sun. Quick break then back again, bit of snorkelling, ate my sarnies & drank a few beers. Tried with & without the trim tabs, a bit better with but fiddly to fit when you are in the boat.

So, 4 hours, c 40 miles, 14 litres of fuel (can you believe it) & smiles all round.

Thanks to everyone who suggested the above setup, it really is good, stable & the wheels are a must. I reckon on 30 mins tops frm car to water & that includes a 5 min walk, 10 mins packing up at the end. Hope the piccy gets uploaded.

[thornbackflound]

Excellent glad you enjoyed your first of many voyages ,looks a nice set up there ,cracking day out

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by RibinSpain

...the wheels are a must...

Which ones did you get in the end? Inflatable ones as suggested by Codders are on my list...just haven't got around to it yet.

Edit: Of course, I could have just opened up your photo and had a look!

[Bigmuz7]

Excellent bet that made you feel good all over ?

[thornbackflound]

Originally Posted by Leapy

Which ones did you get in the end? Inflatable ones as suggested by Codders are on my list...just haven't got around to it yet.

Edit: Of course, I could have just opened up your photo and had a look!

Look like inflatable ones there

[codprawn]

Excellent set up. Just one tiny nit pick - the wheels are a bit smaller than the ones I was thinking of but there isn't much difference - far far better than the rigid plastic ones.

Well done with the 2 stroke - your engine is 9kg or 20lbs lighter than my 15hp 4 stroke - that's quite a bit on a small engine!!!

[prairie tuber]

Great trip report! Glad to hear the setup has worked out well.

[RibinSpain]

hi cheers for replies, wheels are pneumatic & quite suitable for the job. In fact, with the wheels down they make a good outboard stand with the transom.

Codders - was it you who reckoned on 25 mph with your setup? I bottled out at 90% full throttle as I thought the boat was going to take off.

Forgot to mention the slip rage - bleeding Spanish just stand around on the slip chatting & smoking oblivious of the queue of waiting boats. I just popped the wheels down & walked it back to the car.

To anyone looking for a sib package I can't recommend the Zodiac yam package highly enough. Well worth the price premia.

[codprawn]

Yes it was - carry an extra passenger for ballast!!!