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- May 5, 2012
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Well, we made it home without incident. Another 70+ miles and she ran like a champ. Due to inclement weather we were forced to take the ICW home for everyone's comfort. A 3+ hour ride in 4-5 footers and lots of wind would be no fun at all. So, we took the 5+ hour route through the ICW and had a pleasant trip, with the exception of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride across Tampa Bay. Man, what a mess, the wind was against the tide and there was just of mess of 3 ft slop across the bay, all the while taking it on the beam. I wasn't able to do anything about the steering while on the trip, so, it was quite the challenge keeping the boat on anything resembling a straight course. First thing to be done to the boat - get the steering fixed!
We burned approx. 160 gallons on our trip, which included much running about on Friday and Saturday. So, all in all, the boat did very well. I think the old girl is just happy to get out and about. She's averaged only 50 hours of use per year, and we put more than a dozen on her just this weekend, with many more hours to come this summer.
I'm still smarting a little from the fuel bill of $750+, but, I guess it was worth it. Our typical boating days will most likely be only a short time of running at speed, and quite a bit of putting around. Fishing trips will typically be 10-15 miles offshore, some trolling and some bottom fishing, so, the fuel shouldn't be as much of an issue.
She is definitely a comfortable boat to cruise on, and my concerns about 400hp being enough are gone. Those motors have a ton of power and get the boat on plane very quickly.
Now the work begins. Steering is step 1. Then comes some serious cleaning, helm seats need brackets replaced, replace bait well pump, fix the head, and add a removable bimini top to cover the cockpit area. Will also be looking into the items noted by those who've been kind enough to offer advice here on the forum.
Thanks again to all for the advice and well wishes. Put me down as another happy Grady White owner.
Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day, and a big THANK YOU to all who have served our country to give us the opportunity to have the freedom that we enjoy, and so often take for granted. THANK YOU and may GOD BLESS the men and women of our armed forces, past and present.
We burned approx. 160 gallons on our trip, which included much running about on Friday and Saturday. So, all in all, the boat did very well. I think the old girl is just happy to get out and about. She's averaged only 50 hours of use per year, and we put more than a dozen on her just this weekend, with many more hours to come this summer.
I'm still smarting a little from the fuel bill of $750+, but, I guess it was worth it. Our typical boating days will most likely be only a short time of running at speed, and quite a bit of putting around. Fishing trips will typically be 10-15 miles offshore, some trolling and some bottom fishing, so, the fuel shouldn't be as much of an issue.
She is definitely a comfortable boat to cruise on, and my concerns about 400hp being enough are gone. Those motors have a ton of power and get the boat on plane very quickly.
Now the work begins. Steering is step 1. Then comes some serious cleaning, helm seats need brackets replaced, replace bait well pump, fix the head, and add a removable bimini top to cover the cockpit area. Will also be looking into the items noted by those who've been kind enough to offer advice here on the forum.
Thanks again to all for the advice and well wishes. Put me down as another happy Grady White owner.
Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day, and a big THANK YOU to all who have served our country to give us the opportunity to have the freedom that we enjoy, and so often take for granted. THANK YOU and may GOD BLESS the men and women of our armed forces, past and present.