Maiden Voyage on the Crouch

essex · 04 July 2020, 17:08

I did my maiden voyage in my first ever boat today on the Crouch with my T32 honwave and 6hp 4 stroke. It all fits in my 5 door fiesta, just. Although with a couple of bags of belongings and safety gear I dont think I could fit a passenger in the car so a roofbox is on the cards, maybe a soft one.

It makes my 15kg inflatable kayak seem very light in comparison! I have a flatbed trolley to move the boat from car to garage and an engine trolley.

I saw some egrets and oyster catchers today although I am not sure the engine is quiet enough to sneak up on a kingfisher without it spotting me!

I would like to catch a fish from it this year, a mackerel will do. If I use feathers I will probably only use 1 or 2 hooks so there is less chance of a mishap.

I am partway through my VHF online course and need to upgrade by buoyancy aid to a life jacket, then its time for a lap of the globe.

Oldman2 · 04 July 2020, 17:17

Looks like that was a tight fit

Good luck with the VHF course.

jeffstevens763@g · 04 July 2020, 17:20

Not much room left in there Essex

Fenlander · 04 July 2020, 17:40

Well done on getting out and thanks for reporting back.

Re space why not just get roof bars and put the sib on those in its bag which will free up loads of space in the hatch area... no need for a roof box/bag as well.

I've travelled from the Scottish west coast to the eastern counties like that with no problems.

essex · 04 July 2020, 18:21

Thanks. I think my next car will be a bit bigger. Good idea about putting the sib directly on roofbars. That would work if I was going somewhere with a mate. It was just me today, with bags on the passenger seat and external fuel tank on front passenger footwell

TimB · 04 July 2020, 18:23

Nice one, bet your well happy. Enjoy

essex · 04 July 2020, 22:30

Yes well happy. After decades of wanting a boat I finally have one!

The Crabbotherer · 06 July 2020, 15:41

Well done, great to get out on the water after such a long wait! I'm just waiting til Wales opens up so i can get on the water with my new rig, i've ran out of things to service and overhaul on it now...

GuyC · 06 July 2020, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by essex

Thanks. I think my next car will be a bit bigger....

That doesn't solve it - you just end up with more crap!

Well done on your first trip out.

Nasher · 06 July 2020, 16:49

Well done

And welcome to the Slippery Slope club.

Nasher

xpertski · 06 July 2020, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Well done

And welcome to the Slippery Slope club.

Nasher

Exactly that!

Fenlander · 06 July 2020, 17:34

I think the record on here re packing was Firstrib who had the early model tiny Ka and managed to get in a 3.8 Aerotec and 25hp motor plus all his kit.