First Time afloat - maybe

[dave36]

Could open up a can of worms here.
I've spent 2 years rebuilding a 13' 50 year old speedboat and hope to launch next week-end so the question is: Do I go ahead and launch trusting common sense - no, I have never driven, piloted or aimed a boat before (good swimmer though!)
Or do I attempt to get some experienced help or advice beforehand?
I have read all I could find and my first launch will be in Bristol's floating harbour. So there is no traffic, channels or any tidal conditions to worry about.
Your comments on everything, other than my English, most welcome.

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[byron]

Dave, assuming you know it will float - no I'm not being funny, then go ahead and try her. She sounds very interesting. Any chance of a photo and some details?

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[dave36]

Floating should not be a problem - she filled up with rainwater quite a few times during the rebuild and never lost a drop! The new hull drains are still in the box where I put all the bits, Still wondering if they are needed.
Photos, I have kept a full history of the project and as soon as poss I shall be putting it all online


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[lanason]

Let me know and I may come and watch / chuck you a lifebelt.

Seriously I may be passing - love to see the work you have done.

<hr width=100% size=1>Adrian
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[byron]

C'mon, lets have a few here. At least give us some details about her. I really am interested.

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[dave36]

Ok, where is the Gallery? I have some rather good before and afters


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[hlb]

Send them here.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsontheweb.com/>http://www.boatsontheweb.com/</A>

Go to boaters albums, then click on the flag.

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[dave36]

Just done the upload, caption Bird Brain. Looks like the launch won't happen this weekend though! The mercury parts supplier I used sent the wrong parts! so they have been returned with instructs on correct part numbers for a 4 cylinder merc.
I still have the johnson but the control box is too big and it wont fit under the side deck. Looking this eve at fitting new morse cables to the merc control that will fit the johnson - my only hope of launching her this week! (oars perhaps) still after 2 years why rush?
hope the pics within the scope of arweb

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