Question:

Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment.  I kinda like the style.  It’s different!  ;) For power on mine, I’m going with the merCruiser 6cyl. diesel.  That will give me 225 HP at each prop.  I’m also going to use the Bravo 3 outdrive.

Hey Mark, help me out here.  Why are you choosing the Bravo 3 outdrive for a twin engine application?  What advantage is there as compared to any of the less expensive alternatives? Who builds that engine?  It sounds like a great engine for that application. Regards, Tom Brown

Response:

                        *** big snip *** Shameless plug for MaxWeld boats … see thier site at: http://www.maxweldboats.com/ You’re getting a really cool boat…I love its looks. — Harry Krause

Thanks Harry.  I’m not too sure about the looks.  I kinda like the looks of a boat with a well appointed fly bridge better.  However, the boat *should* be really functional and they *are* extremely stable fishing platforms and that means a lot more to me than looks.  (besides the fact that they are "hell-built" for stout!) Still having trouble deciding on colors and a name for her.  The wife and I have decided (with a little coaching from the builder) to paint the cabin the same grey as the pictures show and we are going to go with a black back deck.  I thought something lighter, but Andy says that the black deck is a lot easier to maintain.  I personally think that when the sun shines on it the back deck is going to get awful warm!  Whatever we decide … No White in the work area!!  Makes my tired old eyes hurt!  ;) -mArk-  (who finds naming a boat harder than naming kids!  ;))

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment.  I kinda like the style.  It’s different!  ;) For power on mine, I’m going with the merCruiser 6cyl. diesel.  That will give me 225 HP at each prop.  I’m also going to use the Bravo 3 outdrive. Andy will set them up with almost any type of power that you want.  The one he just finished building (basicly the same boat I’m getting) had twin Cummins with jet pumps type outdrives.  I don’t know if he has build one that is a true inboard yet, but he has been talking about it.  It’s just a matter of what the customer wants.  He’s *very* flexible. I looked at several different engines before I picked the merCruisers.  I had originally picked the Volvo 6cyl. diesel, but Andy told me that there had been quite a few warranty issues (new engines that needed work) and that Volvo had not been real good about honoring the warranty.  He said that having your new boat have to go in right away for engine work kind of soured the whole boat buying process and suggested that I go with the merCruiser for dependability sake. Andy worked out a deal with the merCruiser dealer to get the engines at the same price as those from Volvo.  They usually cost about $2000 an issue more. The Cummins engines are like $10k more.  Kinda outa my price range! -mArk-                          (not speaking for the company) Shameless plug for MaxWeld boats … see thier site at: http://www.maxweldboats.com/

You’re getting a really cool boat…I love its looks. — Harry Krause I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family. -GW Bush

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Wow-Cooool Cat ! What’s the power ? Do they offer inboards in a catamaran ? Doug Miller

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it. I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits. He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk-

Response:

Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment.  I kinda like the style.  It’s different!  ;) For power on mine, I’m going with the merCruiser 6cyl. diesel.  That will give me 225 HP at each prop.  I’m also going to use the Bravo 3 outdrive. Hey Mark, help me out here.  Why are you choosing the Bravo 3 outdrive for a twin engine application?  What advantage is there as compared to any of the less expensive alternatives? Who builds that engine?  It sounds like a great engine for that application. Regards, Tom Brown

Hi Tom.  It’s another one of those hell-built-for-stout things that I’m so hung up on.  I want equiptment that won’t fail (or at least has less chance of failure) when I’m a hundred miles from shore.  There is also the fact that the twin props give you a little more umph.  Besides, Andy catagoricly refuses to use "cheap" stuff on his boats.  He only wants to use the best he can get in any given class.  The Bravo 3 is much stouter than any of the Alpha drives and actually has quite a few design improvements over the Bravo 1 & 2 outdrives. I believe Andy told me that the engine blocks actually come from Isuzu (sp?). All the bolt on stuff is Mercury specific.  I just hope these engines are as bullet proof (idiot proof??  ;)) as I’ve been led to believe.  I spent a lot of time researching both the merCruiser and the Volvo diesel offerings and they seemed pretty close.  Part of the decision was based on the builders recommondation (and I trust Andy a lot … known him for a lot of years!). -mArk-   (who beleives that down fishing time means lost revenue)

Response:

Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment.  I kinda like the style.  It’s different!  ;) For power on mine, I’m going with the merCruiser 6cyl. diesel.  That will give me 225 HP at each prop.  I’m also going to use the Bravo 3 outdrive. Andy will set them up with almost any type of power that you want.  The one he just finished building (basicly the same boat I’m getting) had twin Cummins with jet pumps type outdrives.  I don’t know if he has build one that is a true inboard yet, but he has been talking about it.  It’s just a matter of what the customer wants.  He’s *very* flexible. I looked at several different engines before I picked the merCruisers.  I had originally picked the Volvo 6cyl. diesel, but Andy told me that there had been quite a few warranty issues (new engines that needed work) and that Volvo had not been real good about honoring the warranty.  He said that having your new boat have to go in right away for engine work kind of soured the whole boat buying process and suggested that I go with the merCruiser for dependability sake. Andy worked out a deal with the merCruiser dealer to get the engines at the same price as those from Volvo.  They usually cost about $2000 an issue more. The Cummins engines are like $10k more.  Kinda outa my price range! -mArk-                          (not speaking for the company) Shameless plug for MaxWeld boats … see thier site at: http://www.maxweldboats.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow-Cooool Cat ! What’s the power ? Do they offer inboards in a catamaran ? Doug Miller Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it. I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits. He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk-

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it.  I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits.  He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk- Sounds woodlike. What is she? — Harry Krause Naw … we’ve talked about this one a little before … it’s an aluminum Catamaran style hull with twin merCrusier 6cyl. diesels.  Pictures at: http://www.maxweldboats.com The picture on the first page is a 27′ version of what my boat is going to be.  You looked at this one once before and told me that you’d feel safe about going out to sea in a boat like that … -mArk-

You are correct. When you started discussing bulkheads and frame, I immediately thought of wood. — Harry Krause The students at Yale came from all different backgrounds and all parts of the country. Within months, I knew many of them. -GW Bush

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it.  I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits.  He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk- Sounds woodlike. What is she? — Harry Krause

Naw … we’ve talked about this one a little before … it’s an aluminum Catamaran style hull with twin merCrusier 6cyl. diesels.  Pictures at: http://www.maxweldboats.com The picture on the first page is a 27′ version of what my boat is going to be.  You looked at this one once before and told me that you’d feel safe about going out to sea in a boat like that … -mArk-

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it.  I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits.  He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk-

Sounds woodlike. What is she? — Harry Krause This case has had full analyzation and has been looked at a lot. I understand the emotionality of death penalty cases. Dubya Dense

Response:

Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it.  I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits.  He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk-

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They write about mind control lasers affecting your head, and why you should wear tinfoil, but tinfoil acts as a receiver, so you get MORE of the mind control rays (are just past X-ray range, near Gamma rays. Probably are Gamma rays, actually.) Don’t tell my mother-in-law!  I finally convinced her to wear the aluminum foil helmet (made it myself, actually), and I don’t want to lose credibility with her…

when i wear my foil helmet i sound like a truck in reverse *beep beep beep* headkase – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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No, check it out, like, the device is magnetic, right? And, with enough carefull precision and some-one else’s infected butt one can carefully maneouver the device out through one’s mouth like they did in -now what was that k-ko0l christopher lambert movie in the 80’s again? Anyway, I’ve succeeded in removing mine and am currently on the road towards Mexico with a jammer in my left testicle – if all goes to plan the world will be obliterated by 7 ‘o clock this evening. I can’t give you any more details – Wish me luck. I HEAR THE OLD ONES SPEAK TO ME THROUGH JOHN TRAVOLTA’S RECTUM!!! AND STILL, THE PURPOSE OF LIFE HAS NOT YET DAWNED ON ME!!! PLACE YOUR NIPPLE IN MY MOUTH AND I WILL SHOW YOU ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!!! GIVE ME MY ORANGE JUICE!!! SHMOO!!! -WIZDUMB. (H3′Z S0 SL1CK) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They write about mind control lasers affecting your head, and why you should wear tinfoil, but tinfoil acts as a receiver, so you get MORE  of the mind control rays (are just past X-ray range, near Gamma rays.  Probably are Gamma rays, actually.) Don’t tell my mother-in-law!  I finally convinced her to wear the aluminum foil helmet (made it myself, actually), and I don’t want to lose  credibility with her… when i wear my foil helmet i sound like a truck in reverse *beep beep beep* headkase

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hehe made me smile

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hehe made me smile

me too

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i was just let in on a conspiracy from a guy in a black suburban with a flat top…. he had lepard print cup holders and one of those bead seat covers on the passenger side… he started "have you ever met a kid that wanted to be a preast?" "no" i replied as i started out the door he grabbed me and pulled me back in proclaiming i was being watched now. i asked by who, only to see a group of priests across the street.. he sped away, me still in the seat and he started to unveil all he knew. Priests don’t grow up, there aliens… and the pope is a prince… now, whenever a certain area is to be breached they down what the call a faggit, or a fag as we call them to go hit on all the locals, being a fag he is not seen as a threat.. so he integrates himself into the surroundings… quetly making money here and there while he can.  At night time he is contacted in his basement and beams all his money to the collective, now.. when enough money is reached the collective buys what they call a ultimate money raising house… or church, with the tax free income from the brain washed populi that fills the collection baskets and the rich and famous using there own tax evading ways (set up by the aliens using another node that comes out of the spine)[acid is the way to get around this node... hence the alien populis created drug charges for the drug... this also explains why the 60's/early 70's where creative times... we thought for ourselves] now, jesus was really an alien named bob that used his powers for good… the aliens being evil nailed him to a piece of wood and raped him… many times (there all gay remember) now back to the preists of doom. They followed us down the local blvd. using penis shaped ships… they were cloaked but we say them on the acid boys saburben heat sensors… they cornered us in a ally, when all of a sudden he started to bump suvivor by destiny’s child… he then said the aliens hated women and bad music… and destiny’s child was the worst enemy sense there all secretly lesbain.  which goes into another conspiracy regarding Nuns… but that will come at another time… if your not into acid he also revieled that nude pictures of the golden girls in your wallet also helped cancel out the node. Tyler.

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They write about mind control lasers affecting your head, and why you should wear tinfoil, but tinfoil acts as a receiver, so you get MORE of the mind control rays (are just past X-ray range, near Gamma rays. Probably are Gamma rays, actually.)

Don’t tell my mother-in-law!  I finally convinced her to wear the aluminum foil helmet (made it myself, actually), and I don’t want to lose credibility with her…

Response:

Well, I’ve been reading up on conspiracy theories. Why? probably because my tinfoil isn’t working. Well, here’s a summary of what’s actually going on: The Illuminati do have orbital mind control lasers. But they’re not the Illuminati, that’s just a front. They’re aliens. Government aliens. And they have written many of the conspiracy theories – yeas, especially "Secret Squirrel." They write about mind control lasers affecting your head, and why you should wear tinfoil, but tinfoil acts as a receiver, so you get MORE of the mind control rays (are just past X-ray range, near Gamma rays. Probably are Gamma rays, actually.) They write about alien implants, and even abduct people to spread these theories, always being sure to have them believe the implants are in their heads. Of course, people even tell them, even if they don’t believe them, that it is all in their heads. But is it? No, that’s the conspiracy. You see, they are putting the mind control chips in your ass. How does it work? well, everyone has nerves in their ass, which it attaches to. Very few people check their ass for scars, so few people notice. It’s not active all the time, just when they really need it, and they have to reabduct people every few months to change the batteries. What are the signs? Hemmorhoids. Hemmorhoids are a sure sign you are allergic to the implant, or have just had it replaced and are still sore from the implantation. Other signs include an overwhelming desire to scream "you are a fucking idiot" at random people, especially scientologists. Scientologists are not immune, but are usually controlled by a rival, even more evil, conspiracy. You see, these conspiracies have been at war for thousands of years. The Illuminati are against Scientology, and if they control your ass, will force you to hate John Travolta. But you hated John Travolta before? Yes, this is what they want you to think. Of course, their is a solution. Wrapping your head in tinfoil only exposes you to MORE mindcontrol rays (tinfoil works like an antenna). So, what you need to do instead, is wrap your ass in duct tape. Really. And don’t ever take it off at night, for that is what they want you to do. When you are sleeping is the most important time to wear the duct tape, as that is when they will try to abduct you. Also, to stop them, boobytrap your ass. Really. Moustraps on the outside of the duct tape work good, and can be ducttaped on themselves. Rattraps work even better, but have the drawback of occasionally trapping a rat on your ass, which is not a fun thing, especially if rats have a natural tendency to search your ass for food. Glue mousetraps should not be worn, as they tend to trap, well, the chair you sit on, which is rarely a good thing. Garlic, of course, can always be used in addition to the traps, just in case the Illuminati are allergic to it. Never use mines or explosives, just in case the Illuminati do trigger your ass. And remember, all is not what it seems, especially with tinfoil on your head and ducttape on your ass. — — theoneflasehaddock formerly of deja.com AIM – the1flasehaddock Suspected GLOBAL VILLAGE IDIOT. founder of the ‘Royal Discordian Opposition to the Cursed Number after Nine and Before Seven’ Known mad Imposter Fuckwit, you hatter bastards

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Well, I’ve been reading up on conspiracy theories. Why? probably because my tinfoil isn’t working. Well, here’s a summary of what’s actually going on: Read GURPS Illuminati. Then remember that the author, Nigel Findley, died shortly after the book was published. It has the most interesting version of the OMCL’s you can find.

I’ve been meaning to read that one for a while, I keep hearing how good it is, I just never get around to finding a copy. Instead, I sit at a computer and troll. Yay. — — theoneflasehaddock formerly of deja.com AIM – the1flasehaddock Suspected GLOBAL VILLAGE IDIOT. founder of the ‘Royal Discordian Opposition to the Cursed Number after Nine and Before Seven’ Known mad Imposter Fuckwit, you hatter bastards

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: Well, I’ve been reading up on conspiracy theories. Why? probably because my : tinfoil isn’t working. Well, here’s a summary of what’s actually going on: : : The Illuminati do have orbital mind control lasers. But they’re not the : Illuminati, that’s just a front. They’re aliens. Government aliens. And they : have written many of the conspiracy theories – yeas, especially "Secret : Squirrel." They write about mind control lasers affecting your head, and why : you should wear tinfoil, but tinfoil acts as a receiver, so you get MORE of : the mind control rays (are just past X-ray range, near Gamma rays. Probably : are Gamma rays, actually.) You need to use ARSCC-approved tinfoil hat to keep the mind control waves out of your head.  The ARSCC R&D Lab guarantees they are effective against even Scientology’s toadally gnarly Operating Thetans who can kill you with a thought. Perry Scott Co$ Escapee (ARSCC = alt.religion.scientology Central Committee.  It does not exist.  Really!  Now, see this red light?  … )

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Well, I’ve been reading up on conspiracy theories. Why? probably because my tinfoil isn’t working. Well, here’s a summary of what’s actually going on:

Read GURPS Illuminati. Then remember that the author, Nigel Findley, died shortly after the book was published. It has the most interesting version of the OMCL’s you can find. —   /   Marc Etienne Lachance, HOKuM, LMAA  /<  Episkopos without a cabal, /____ Non-Leader of Something or Another.

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Ever read "Foucault’s Pendulum"? I can’t look at another conspiracy theory the same, now. But, here’s mine:  there _is_ a conspiracy, only it’s not perpetrated by anyone in control of any government, or supergovernment, or occult organisation, or racial group or whatever.  It’s perpetrated by a wide variety of people with enough money not to worry about where their next meal is coming from, or about whether they’ll have a place to sleep, who are so caught up in trying to find some outside, all-encompassing explanation for why they got turned down at the bank for that loan for a jetski, or why Tammy didn’t win first at her school athletics day, or why Uncle Rob got cancer, that they lose sight of the places where they really _are_ being manipulated. Instead of spending some time thinking about (and getting mad about) the unequal distribution of resources (particularly food, but money can always by food, even in a famine) between the First and Third World, they get all anti about GE and how horrible it is that they’re forced to eat fly genes in those nice, fresh tomatoes.   Instead of getting active about overpopulation and/or too-low birth rates, they crow and complain when the government tries to steal _their_ money to build another road or add another few dollars to some superannuation scheme. Instead of seeing that eating unhealthily, not exercising, not going for regular check-ups and not following medical advice, they complain that it’s actually cellphones and suppressed anger and rays from spy satellites that makes them sick.     Instead of doing something constructive to lower the costs of medication to people in other countries (particularly for AIDS medication in Central Africa) to a level that is actually something lower than ten times their yearly income for a year-long course, they moan and whinge about how it’s actually vaccination that creates all the terrible sicknesses that we see in our everyday suburban, middle-class neighbourhood. I could (and will) go on about this, but you get the idea……. Love you heaps, Altair "We didn’t know they were going to drop a space station on us." -Trevor Canty, New Zealand fishing boat skipper, quoted in the New Zealand Herald, March 23, 2001. Coven of the Triple Moon: http://www.geocities.com.Paris/Cafe/8564/

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Question:

I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.  We talked for awhile and Stan reminded us that Lefty Kreh was to be at the casting pool at noon. We had the best spot at the show, right up front next to Lefty.  The man is amazing — he makes casting look like child’s play, and we all know it isn’t. I have seen his program before, but this time I think I actually learned something.  His explanation on how to cast a weighted nymph with split shot and strike indicator attached really surprised me, because it is exactly how I cast such a set up.  It isn’t a normal cast, more like a circle cast.  I call it a "lob", but it works well. After Lefty’s show, we split up.  I had to pick up some things I bought earlier, and get home at a reasonable hour.  I spoke to someone at a lodge in south-eastern Labrador.  He could give us a deal on a clave there next year.   At one of the booths I was looking over the hook selection.  There, right in front, at eye level for the whole world to see was some Tiemco size #32 hooks. They also had #30 and #28, so anyone saying they do not "exist" is full of tie his "dandruff" on, I guarantee fish in Maine waters.   Overall, it was a pretty good show with far more tackle and fly rod booths than Marlboro offered, and more lodges represented (which allows me to pick up their brochure and dream). Stan Gula:  Typical roffian clavester.  He is gonna fit it well at the Penn Clave.  He’ll be tenting in the same area as Peter and me, so I invited him for Dave

Response:

I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.

His name’s Mike, but he doesn’t talk much anyway, so it hardly matters<g. My brother liked Lefty, but was a bit put off by all the animal parts I spent the afternoon digging through.  Got a nice set of snowshoe rabbit feet (I offered to make him a keychain out of one of them but he declined).  He was most amazed at the price of chicken feathers. Nice to have met Dave – the fourth Roffian I’ve seen in person.  I was as surprised at his height (about 4" taller than he looks in pictures) as he was at my width (about 6" more than my doctor thinks I should be). –Stan

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Stan Gula writes:] His name’s Mike, but he doesn’t talk much anyway, so it hardly matters<g.

Hey, it was a senior moment, Fran.   <g Any way, we had a good time even though it was short.  Got home and I could actually see the black-top on the driveway.  It has been *months* since i’ve seen it.  Tomorrow is supposed to be Dave

Response:

Maybe you should just bathe in your breakfast shorts? <g — Charlie…

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If you bought the hooks for me I’ll tie the flies. Once again I missed a show due to skiing. I think my wife has the show schedule in hand when she books weekends up north. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.  We talked for awhile and Stan reminded us that Lefty Kreh was to be at the casting pool at noon. We had the best spot at the show, right up front next to Lefty.  The man is amazing — he makes casting look like child’s play, and we all know it isn’t. I have seen his program before, but this time I think I actually learned something.  His explanation on how to cast a weighted nymph with split shot and strike indicator attached really surprised me, because it is exactly how I cast such a set up.  It isn’t a normal cast, more like a circle cast.  I call it a "lob", but it works well. After Lefty’s show, we split up.  I had to pick up some things I bought earlier, and get home at a reasonable hour.  I spoke to someone at a lodge in south-eastern Labrador.  He could give us a deal on a clave there next year. At one of the booths I was looking over the hook selection.  There, right in front, at eye level for the whole world to see was some Tiemco size #32 hooks. They also had #30 and #28, so anyone saying they do not "exist" is full of and tie his "dandruff" on, I guarantee fish in Maine waters. Overall, it was a pretty good show with far more tackle and fly rod booths than Marlboro offered, and more lodges represented (which allows me to pick up their brochure and dream). Stan Gula:  Typical roffian clavester.  He is gonna fit it well at the Penn Clave.  He’ll be tenting in the same area as Peter and me, so I invited him for him Dave

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Question:

For much of the past decade my family and I have vacationed in North- Central New Mexico (Santa Fe/Taos area). … Historically they’ve been wonderful, since few people fished them.  But that seems to have changed…

I’ll confess to being part of the problem. We were in Taos for a week last October and found it a wonderful vacation spot both for me and my flyfishing and Kristine and her shopping/photography. I was able to find solitude, in October, the further I got from the "Enchanted Circle", FWIW. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

For much of the past decade my family and I have vacationed in North- Central New Mexico (Santa Fe/Taos area).  It always seemed to offer something for everyone…culture and restaurants for my wife, fishing and hiking for me.  I returned last week after an absence of 3 years and couldn’t believe the increase in fishing pressure and resulting reduction in fishing quality. Exhibit 1 — an small, alpine tailwater (maybe 60 cfm)with a nice population of cuts.  Catch and release.  Fished it three years ago, in the prime water on a WEEKEND, and saw one other rod all day.  Last week, on a Tuesday, had to scramble to find a stretch to fish.  At least 10 other rods on a 1.5 mile stretch. Exhibit 2 — a tiny mountain stream, 2 hour drive from anywhere. Walked in and got no hits.  Started moving quickly, and eventually ran into a fisherman.  I’d been fishing in his wake.  Walked another half mile, same problem.  Eventually had to drive a mile downstream, and walk another mile to get onto virgin water, then had a reasonable time. Unlike streams in places like Montana (or even the San Juan), the streams in North-Central NM are generally so small that they can’t support very much pressure.  Historically they’ve been wonderful, since few people fished them.  But that seems to have changed… Michael — www.geocities.com/yosemite/falls/3363 Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Question:

Ok, a mini Internet lecture, for both sides of this thread. The processor speed on the client side (and most likely on the server side) *does not matter*.

[snipped] Exactly true for anyone not gifted with a T-3 connection ;^) But as for the rest of us, Jon, the problem is purely one of end-node bandwidth. For most of us – and for most of the time – the slow loading of George’s page has nothing to do with routers or switches or backbone performance. It’s the bandwidth at the faceplate attached to the wall. Also, as long as we’re in "education mode", if you think that a 48KB file is broken up into a mere dozen packets (or anything even remotely close to that) it’s time for you to go back to school ;^) Packet payloads are measured in tens or hundreds of bytes (check out the spec’s on ATM, for instance), not multi-K’s of bytes… The solution to George’s page is simple: lose the eagle, and make the darned page hierarchical. Put the latest set of events on the first page, and bury the history stuff in a half-dozen underlying pages, arranged in chronological order with links back on the first page. No big deal, don’t have to throw anything way, and it would probably take a half-hour to rearrange what he’s got now into something more practical… Regards, /daytripper (sipping the internet through a really thin straw ;^)

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Ok, a mini Internet lecture, for both sides of this thread. The processor speed on the client side (and most likely on the server side) *does not matter*.

(remainded snipped to unclog the superhighway) Thanks for the explanation Jon. Mark Faulkner

Response:

Jon Cook: <<Which is *still* not related to processor speed. What you’re talking about is modem speed — and I’ll still go out on a limb and say that any endpoint with modem above 33K or so will still suffer from *internal* Internet congestion, and not just their end-node bandwidth. Heck, I’ve visited the page from a *very* fast connection and have waited minutes for it to load. Gentlemen, gentlemen….. The entire page was too big — since George has fixed it, it loads in very little time, *regardless of when you call it up*. There is very little internet activity at 6 a.m. EDT, yet it took just as long then as it did at 1 pm or 10 pm.  The thing was too long. Dave LaCourse

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bytes per.  We will try and archive the site as soon as we can or simply erase the majority of it.  Your choice.

FYI, the eagle logo is 753×611pixels. It is only displayed in 176×143 pixels. This is not too bright web-design. The client has to download the big image, which is 48K. This is a total waste, since the image displayed on the webpage (176×143) with good compression, should easily be less than 3K (I checked). Additionally, forcing the client to resize the picture, will hog unnecessary CPU. Some clients and machines are pretty bad at doing such things, i.e. try having a mac (a few years old) render a background picture within a table. It will take ages, and one is better off avoiding these possible pitfalls from the server side. Just select "view image" (right click on picture in netscape) to see how big this bastard really is. — Christian Figenschou – <URL: http://figen.com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – bytes per.  We will try and archive the site as soon as we can or simply erase the majority of it.  Your choice. FYI, the eagle logo is 753×611pixels. It is only displayed in 176×143 pixels. This is not too bright web-design. The client has to download the big image, which is 48K. This is a total waste, since the image displayed on the webpage (176×143) with good compression, should easily be less than 3K (I checked). Additionally, forcing the client to resize the picture, will hog unnecessary CPU. Some clients and machines are pretty bad at doing such things, i.e. try having a mac (a few years old) render a background picture within a table. It will take ages, and one is better off avoiding these possible pitfalls from the server side. Just select "view image" (right click on picture in netscape) to see how big this bastard really is. — Christian Figenschou – <URL: http://figen.com

— Mr. G. ‘all’s fair with fur or feather’ http://www.gink.com http://www.rodbuilding.com http://www.xink.com 509-243-4100 or 5500

Question:

How does the action of these two rods compare? Any opinions? The Sage sure looks nicer.                                 Bob

Hi Bob For my casting style I prefer the the Sage RPL. To me the Loomis feels a bit non responsive compared to the Sage — the Loomis feels dead and the Sage feels alive putting it another way. I’m sure there are those who disagree but that’s why there are different rod manufacturers. Any way, Take care & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

How does the action of these two rods compare? Any opinions? The Sage sure looks nicer.                                 Bob

Response:

How does the action of these two rods compare? Any opinions? The Sage sure looks nicer.                            Bob

Hello Bob         I can’t speak for the RPL. I can give you my opinion on the IMX. I had a 10′ IMX made for me recently.  It has action that is a little on the stiff side of medium. IMHO it is the best rod I have ever cast a line with. It takes less wrist effort to cast 50′ of line than it does to stir my coffee in the morning         Did have a chance to try a friends Sage on the weekend. It was not an RPL though. It was nice enough, but I still prefer mine. Take Care and Smash Barbs Joel Sampson Micro Computer Co-ordinator Computer Services Saint Mary’s University 923 Robie Street Halifax, Nova Scotia (p) (902) 420-5880 (f) (902) 496-8103

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you’re looking to buy an IMX be aware that Loomis no longer makes this blank.  It has been replaced by the GL4.  I was told (can anyone out there confirm?) that the reason they ditched the IMX was because of the number of breakages that model line had. One other thing: Sage does offer an unconditional warranty on their rods. Loomis does not.  Someone that I sold a Loomis blank to recently told me it cost him $40 to get the tip section replaced, in addition to the shipping costs.  I’ve broken two Sage rods in the last 3 years, and both times they charged me only for shipping. How does the action of these two rods compare? Any opinions? The Sage sure looks nicer.                               Bob

Hi Bob I blew up three IMX rods, one while casting and two while fighting fish. I don’t know if I was just unlucky or not but was given a Sage to try in that same time frame and have not fished a Loomis since. Take care & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

If you’re looking to buy an IMX be aware that Loomis no longer makes this blank.  It has been replaced by the GL4.  I was told (can anyone out there confirm?) that the reason they ditched the IMX was because of the number of breakages that model line had. One other thing: Sage does offer an unconditional warranty on their rods. Loomis does not.  Someone that I sold a Loomis blank to recently told me it cost him $40 to get the tip section replaced, in addition to the shipping costs.  I’ve broken two Sage rods in the last 3 years, and both times they charged me only for shipping. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How does the action of these two rods compare? Any opinions? The Sage sure looks nicer.                            Bob

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Easy. One has a lifetime,unconditional warranty, the other spends gazillions on beautiful magazine ads instead.

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  I have several Loomis rods.  My first IMX, a 6# purchased shortly after they were released, broke repeatedly and was replaced without charge other than my shipping it back to them.  It took three trys but has now been solid for three years.   I believe the top of the line is now the GMX (if I have my alphabet straight).  It has a softer tip than the older IMX and is a very sweet rod in the four piece #4 and #6 sizes.   Most Loomis rods have a dull gray finish.  I happen to like the look, but the important question is whether it’s less visable to the trout when waved over the water on a sunny day. — Lloyd Fortney http://www.phy.duke.edu/~fortney/ has links to my garden, flower, flyfishing, and travel JPEG images as well as teaching, research, and stuff like that

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: Easy. One has a lifetime,unconditional warranty, the other spends : gazillions on beautiful magazine ads instead. I don’t know about this… The Sage posters are among the prettiest photos of fly fishing I have seen.  Must cost a pretty big coin. And what’s the real deal on those posters… just about every fly shop I’ve visited in the West claims the owner is the fisherman in the photo on the wall. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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: Easy. One has a lifetime,unconditional warranty, the other spends : gazillions on beautiful magazine ads instead. I don’t know about this… The Sage posters are among the prettiest photos of fly fishing I have seen.  Must cost a pretty big coin.

The Sage ads usually have some real nice photos as do the Winston ads.  Personally, I like the Scott "lifting power" ad with the jet skier and the one with the guy practicing his flycasting from atop a building in Manhatten. John Fereira

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If you’re looking to buy an IMX be aware that Loomis no longer makes this blank.  It has been replaced by the GL4.  I was told (can anyone out there confirm?) that the reason they ditched the IMX was because of the number of breakages that model line had. One other thing: Sage does offer an unconditional warranty on their rods. Loomis does not.  Someone that I sold a Loomis blank to recently told me it cost him $40 to get the tip section replaced, in addition to the shipping costs.  I’ve broken two Sage rods in the last 3 years, and both times they charged me only for shipping.

Catch, How’d you break your Sages? I also had heard of very high breakage rates but that was years ago when several manufacturers, of which Loomis was one, were racing to gain market share by bringing out rods made with new materials. I was under the impression that the bulk of their problems had been solved although over the years I have talked to only one angler astream using Loomis (I live in the east where they have a smaller presence) and he fished it as if it was made of crystal instead of graphite because of a previous fishing breakage and the feeling after talking to Loomis that they would not replace it again. It did not appear to be a very enjoyable fishing experience for him. The original post related to casting rather than durability and from comparative reviews I have seen the Loomis does offer a different casting experience due to its stiffness. I know there are those who "Love my Loomis" or "Wouldn’t trade my Sage for anything" but is there anyone here who has used both and is willing to offer up an opinion, hopefully unbiased with thoughts, on the casting merits of both? I have a pre-new materials war Sage closet rod (or more charitably – a nymphing rod) and finances permitting, am interested in upgrading it to a stream rod but would like to hear about the casting virtues and vices of the newer rods. Thanks Tim

Response:

Among other rods, I own a Loomis 10′ 6wt IMX and a Sage 9′6" RPL 6wt. These are my steelheading rods. The Loomis just happens to fit my casting style better than the Sage, but the Sage (which I built from a blem blank) was needed as a backup since the Loomis was very brittle and I broke it more times than I like to admit.   Except for one time when I broke it by accidentally hitting a branch with the tip while casting and one time catching it in the door to my PU canopy, all the other breaks seemed to be the result of overstressing the rod during casting. Regardless of the reason, which I always disclosed, Loomis always replaced the rod with no questions asked and at no cost – even shipping. The last time it broke,the turn around time was only three days. I think that the last one they sent me is a slightly different composition, not that it casts any differently, but it has endured 2 1/2 years of heavy fishing without breaking ( a new personal record ). Most knowledgeable casters who have watched me cast ( for steelhead on big waters) tell me that my style seems to overstress the rod. Bob Weinberger – La Grande, OR —

Response:

Among other rods, I own a Loomis 10′ 6wt IMX and a Sage 9′6" RPL 6wt. These are my steelheading rods. The Loomis just happens to fit my casting style better than the Sage, but the Sage (which I built from a blem blank) was needed as a backup since the Loomis was very brittle and I broke it more times than I like to admit. Bob Weinberger – La Grande, OR —

I have a 9′6" 6 wgt RPL which has seen better years.  After two sets of guides and reworking of the handle, I decided that it was time to build a new one.  To my great regret, I discovered that they no longer make the 9′6" RPL blank.  The RPL-X is vile.   I gnash my teeth… This is a great steelhead and searun rod.  Good float tubing rod as well. Too bad you can’t get one anymore.

Response:

I have a 3 wt IMX and a 5 wt Sage RPL. Although I grab the Sage first when going to the stream, I use the IMX often enough to like it as a distance casting rod although I use a 4 wt line. It dosen’t have the line speed that the RPL has but it takes very little effort to cast. On a 2+ day trip I take both but I only use the 3 wt for dry fly. If push came to shove, it would be the Sage. — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you’re looking to buy an IMX be aware that Loomis no longer makes this blank.  It has been replaced by the GL4.  I was told (can anyone out there confirm?) that the reason they ditched the IMX was because of the number of breakages that model line had. One other thing: Sage does offer an unconditional warranty on their rods. Loomis does not.  Someone that I sold a Loomis blank to recently told me it cost him $40 to get the tip section replaced, in addition to the shipping costs.  I’ve broken two Sage rods in the last 3 years, and both times they charged me only for shipping. Catch, How’d you break your Sages? I also had heard of very high breakage rates but that was years ago when several manufacturers, of which Loomis was one, were racing to gain market share by bringing out rods made with new materials. I was under the impression that the bulk of their problems had been solved although over the years I have talked to only one angler astream using Loomis (I live in the east where they have a smaller presence) and he fished it as if it was made of crystal instead of graphite because of a previous fishing breakage and the feeling after talking to Loomis that they would not replace it again. It did not appear to be a very enjoyable fishing experience for him. The original post related to casting rather than durability and from comparative reviews I have seen the Loomis does offer a different casting experience due to its stiffness. I know there are those who "Love my Loomis" or "Wouldn’t trade my Sage for anything" but is there anyone here who has used both and is willing to offer up an opinion, hopefully unbiased with thoughts, on the casting merits of both? I have a pre-new materials war Sage closet rod (or more charitably – a nymphing rod) and finances permitting, am interested in upgrading it to a stream rod but would like to hear about the casting virtues and vices of the newer rods. Thanks Tim

Response:

I know there are those who "Love my Loomis" or "Wouldn’t trade my Sage for anything" but is there anyone here who has used both and is willing to offer up an opinion, hopefully unbiased with thoughts, on the casting merits of both? I have

I can’t comment on the IMX.  My old beat-up RPL is great for shooting line half way accross a lake, but when it comes to laying down a gentle cast to spooky fish in shallow water, forget it.  The harder I try to be delicate, the harder it slaps the water.  Still, I like the rod. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

<<The harder I try to be delicate, the harder it slaps the water. The reason it slaps the water is because you are putting the power in too late.  Try pushing your thumb towards something on the far bank when you cast, so that the whole thing turns over before it touches down.  I also suspect you are overpowering the rod.  Get your timing right and you should be able to throw the whole flyline without hearing the rod "swish" at all. Hope this helps. William Daniel

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<<I know there are those who "Love my Loomis" or "Wouldn’t trade my Sage for anything" but is there anyone here who has used both and is willing to offer up an opinion, hopefully unbiased with thoughts, on the casting merits of

both? You’ve picked the 2 best brands, IMO.  The old RPL’s are not as quick as the Loomis IMX, but these are being phased out as the new RPL+ rods come in – these are very fast, if that’s what you are after.  Frankly you pays your money and takes your choice.  I go for the Sages myself. William Daniel

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<<I know there are those who "Love my Loomis" or "Wouldn’t trade my Sage for anything" but is there anyone here who has used both and is willing to offer up an opinion, hopefully unbiased with thoughts, on the casting merits of

both? Perhaps a better route would be for you to go cast the models that are suited for your needs and decide for yourself. I tried a Sage RPL for a 4 when they first came out. Caught a 7-1/2 lb rainbow on a #22 h.e. emerger on it. Sent the rod back because I didn’t care for it’s casting capabilities in close (under 30 ft). Ordered a Scott and have never looked back. Casts way better in close and is just fine for distance. Does that make the Scott better? Of course not. It’s better for me and the way I cast. Suggest you find a shop that carries the rods you’re interested in, describe your needs.  I suspect they will let you try out the rods. If the owner is really knowledgeable, stocks a variety of rods, and is a good listener (Harry Murray of Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburgh, Va comes to mind.), it will be a short process. As for cost be sensible. If you make the right choice, you’ll be fishing it for many many years. A few bucks more for the rod you like could be well worth it over a decade or two or three. If you make the wrong one, it really doesn’t matter what the rod cost. Good luck. BP

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Question:

Jess writes: Hello I am going to try flyfishing for stripers here in OK. this spring and I am wondering if I really need a reel with a 200 yd backing capacity ? It seems your tippet would break just from the resistance of the flyline in the water.

                                                                 Thanks                                                                    Jess Jess, you are correct.  ~~150 yards ought to do it…. I’ve had fish go " over the hill" of a rapid and take more than this, but don’t recall landing any of them.  In open water, chase ‘em, in a river, finesse is better. A common method is to let the line go completely slack, the fish will then swim upstream back to you…  Have fun… Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*

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Hello I am going to try flyfishing for stripers here in OK. this spring and I am wondering if I really need a reel with a 200 yd backing capacity ? It seems your tippet would break just from the resistance of the flyline in the water.                                                                  Thanks                                                                    Jess

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Question:

   Does anyone know Bill Hunter’s address or phone number. He no longer owns Hunter’s Angling but sells some stuff out of his house I need. Thanks in advance.    Ralph —

Response:

   Does anyone know Bill Hunter’s address or phone number. He no longer owns Hunter’s Angling but sells some stuff out of his house I need. Thanks in advance.    Ralph —

Last I heard he was in New Boston NH. There is a listing in the Select Phone CD. Bill Hunter, 223 S Hill Rd, New Boston NH 03070, 603-487-3844 Don’t know if that is the same Bill you’re looking for but it’s worth a shot. I haven’t been to his shop in years & wasn’t even aware he had sold it. Tight Lines. Byard

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Question:

I operate a Cortland Pro Shop and Stock over 300 DIFFERENT Cortland Fly Lines. I also build custom rods and have lots of other neat stuff.  If I can help out anyone with anything let me know. George E. Hoskin/Hoskin Enterprises RFD 1, Box 841 West Bath, Maine 04530 1-207-443-6064 1-800-244-7744

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Question:

I’ve been looking at the drift boats kits online from Greg Boats and Ray’s Dories. Has anybody built one of these boats for fly fishing? How did the building go, any tips? Also, who did you buy the kit from? Any info would be appreciated.

Response:

Check out Greg Tatman’s kits.  I built the 12′ river pram.  After all said and done it cost a little over a grand to build and fully outfit. While a 2 person boat, it fishes best as one person rig.  Stable as well as maneuverable.  It fishes the steelhead rivers here on the Olympic Peninsula and Snake River drainages just fine. I would select it again in a heartbeat.  It came with a good set of instructions and when I got stumped, Greg was glad to answer questions.  It took about 4 months of week ends, maybe 80 hours. I do not have the number at hand, but call information and ask for Tatman Boats in Springfield Oregon. Bart Phillips

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been looking at the drift boats kits online from Greg Boats and Ray’s Dories. Has anybody built one of these boats for fly fishing? How did the building go, any tips? Also, who did you buy the kit from? Any info would be appreciated.

Response:

I built a Don Hill Drift Boat a 16 ft. Guide Boat, it is a great kit comes complete with video and instructions. The boat took about 120 hrs to build and Don has a 1- 800 Number if you have any questions. He and his staff aim to please the customer and if I was going to build another boat it would be his. Also Greg Tatman used to work for Don before going into business. Call Don Hill @ 1- 800878 – 5488 and tell him you heard about him from Kent Anderson in Nashville Tn. fly fishing

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I built a Don Hill Drift Boat a 16 ft. Guide Boat, it is a great kit comes complete with video and instructions.

Whadja pay ? — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Thanks for the info. I’ll give him a call. Where do you use your boat in Nashville. I’m in KY.

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I am interested in building a drift boat.  If anybody has any information or experiences with drift boat kits I would appreciate any input.

Response:

be careful. i had a drift boat, and i sold it.  it was very hard to do.  i actually cried as it left the driveway and turned the corner into someone else’s flyfishing reality. the problem was..the driftboat haunted me.  i would be leaving for work and it would be in the driveway saying "tim..how can you go off to work and leave me all alone in the driveway…". or, i’d be heading off on a wading adventure or with the belly boat and it would cry…"tim…how could you ?". and then, of course i’d feel guilty and this in turn would lead to a fishless day (happened a lot, actually). approach this driftboat thing with care my friend… Tim Walker

Response:

Strongly suggest that anyone thinking about building a drift boat contact the Wooden Boat Shop in Seattle, and purchase a set of Tracy O’brien’s plans.  This plan set tells how to build a stitch and glue hull, which has no frames to trip over or take up space, is far stronger, and has fiberglass/epoxy chines, which is where the damage gets done.  I have built both a Don Hill (which is a lovely boat, BTW) and an O’Brien, and the O’brien is much sweeter.   Stitch and glue is a technique where you sew the plywood panels together with iron wire, brace the panels into shape, and then treat the seams with first a fillet of epoxy soaked sawdust and then epoxy soaked fiberglass tape.  This creates an extremely strong hull, and uses no ribs.  This gives you an open floor, which means nothing to trip over, and no floorboards to catch your fly line.  BIG advantage. You can buy a finished boat of this style by contacting Creekside Outfitters in Issaquah, WA.  They have somebody selling the hulls for about $1700.  Better to build yourself and have the pleasure.  Also, much as in rod building, by doing it yourself, you can use neat woods and get the extra cosmetic pleasure for minimal costs. Take care with the woods that you use.  Suggest that you get Hoadley’s book on hardwoods and use that to drive your materials selection

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: be careful. : the problem was..the driftboat haunted me.  i would be leaving for : work and it would be in the driveway saying "tim..how can you go : off to work and leave me all alone in the driveway…". I guess Tim hears a lot of voices.  I think we are the ones who should be careful. Ignore the voices, Tim.  They are only in your head.  Really. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

Response:

: Strongly suggest that anyone thinking about building a drift boat contact : the Wooden Boat Shop in Seattle, and purchase a set of Tracy O’brien’s : plans.  This plan set tells how to build a stitch and glue hull, which : has no frames to trip over or take up space, is far stronger, and has : fiberglass/epoxy chines, which is where the damage gets done.  I have : built both a Don Hill (which is a lovely boat, BTW) and an O’Brien, and : the O’brien is much sweeter.   Andrew, just how difficult are the techniques and effort required to do a good job?  Special tools, techniques, etc…? Thanks. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

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My fly fishing buddy just bought a new drift boat for fishing the Green River. Unfortunately we have not been able to find any information on how to navigate the river well.  We don’t have much trouble when rowing backwards but when the boat is turned around to go through the rapids it is difficult to steer. We haven’t been able to find books, instruction, or anything else to make this any easier.  Has anyone had experience doing this?  Can you suggest any publications to assist us. Thanks! Jeff Dinsdale

Response:

Call 1-800-541-9498 (Frank Amato Publications) Ask for "Floating Whitewater Rivers". This book should get you on the right track.

Response:

I have a rule which has served me well. Never go down a river unless:     a) you have gone down it with someone who knows the river         and     b) you specifically intended to learn the river from that person. Rule number 2:  Always put the plug in before launching. Have fun!

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