I confess. I promise never to do it again

[tillergirl]

I am riddled with guilt and seek absolution. I promise never to do it again. I only did it because - because - because - well I wanted to see what it was like.

I've been on a power boat today. A short delivery trip from Paglesham to Heybridge Basin via the diesel pump at Wallesea.

There are no redeeming features. 40 foot, two large diesels, one great wash, radar, chart plotter, fish finder, GPS. We stuck to 18 knots all the way except where speed limits or seamanship was prudent and did the journey in a couple of hours.

Navigation is interesting. One, you are a lot higher and see a lot but then you are looking through glass which does restrict a lot of the vision. Two, the buoys come up pretty quick. Three, the tide is only important for the bumps it makes and what it is doing when you turn the power down.

Nice. Not really. Bloody noisy and irritating noise at that. Odd jerky motion whilst not unpleasant was not pleasant at all. And it swallowed £75 squids of diesel which only put in half of one tank! I reckon it must cost 300 squids to fill from empty.

Comfortable - apart from the motion yeap. Warm comfy seats behind a windscreen, a long settee down below with central heating. Nothing to bang your head on. A toilet the size of a one bedroom flat in Kensignton (you couldn't call it the heads)

All of which has got nothing to do with Classic Boats but I mention this in case I was spotted and I want everybody to know that I did it only to help someone, not to enjoy myself!

 

[Lakesailor]

You should try everything at least once. If only to make sure you don't like it.

 

[daveyjones]

You are forgiven my child, bendita sea

 

[tillergirl]

Re: I confess. I promise never to do it again

Thank you

 

[LittleShip]

I could have forgiven you if it had been a Trawler type MoBo but it sounds like it was a sporty version and not even a wood one, Tut Tut you will have to absolve yourself by spending much time on your knees antifouling. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tillergirl]

Re: I confess. I promise never to do it again

You are right. There are no redeeming features at all. So today I went back to taking the iron keel back to bright metal. Now that's real boating!!!

 

[burgundyben]

Ouch!

Steady on there old boy. Each to his own and all that.

Some of us choose to motorboat and own a classic.

You say no redeeming features? From base in Hamble I can have lunch in Cherbourg, fill the boat with beer and wine and be home for supper.

 

[daveyjones]

Re: Ouch!

as long as you have a force 3 or less!

 

[tillergirl]

Re: Ouch!

At the risk of starting something, I have no problem with those who want to do that sort of thing but you are talking about lunching and shopping in France not really boating. I have to say that its a good way to do lunch and shopping there. What struck me was the 'distance' from the sea and surroundings. Isolated from it and at the speed we went all the things I enjoy. Yes I know it gets cold, wet, uncomfortable and is slow but I enjoy the process of getting there.

At the risk of really starting something, what classic can go from the Hamble to Cherbourg for lunch and back for the evening?

And the no redeeming features were more about my abandonment of my principles and leaving an uncaulked seam waiting for attention rather than the mode of transport which was efficient (but noisy - couldn't have a gentle chat)

 

[Kristal]

I have to admit...

...that one of the things I look forward to when I retire (only 38 years and counting) is being able to say "I'm too weak and infirm to sail anymore" and get myself a whacking great motorboat.

Not, you understand, that I would rather power than sail, but that when I can say with complete conviction that my sailing days are over, I can then start messing about with great big engines and clever gadgets without feeling like I'm forgetting my roots...

But Crystal need fear not, I shan't be doing it for quite a while.

/<

 

[LittleShip]

Re: I agree !

Fairey Huntsman 28 I class as a classic, just the same as my G Banks as long as its wood /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif But Plastic fantastic never?
I too can go to France for lunch & shopping............. it just takes me two days./forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Tom.

 

[Santana379]

Re: I agree !

Hear, hear - Fairey Huntsman 28 is definitely a classic.

Poor burgundyben has clearly got petrol/diesel in his veins - he likes Ducatis too - so shows class in both his taste in bikes and Mobo's. Not sure about the girls bit - but he's young. I graduated to women (or at least one) a long time ago.

A classic fast mobo is thing of some considerable beauty and appeal, and has exactly the same romance as a vintage car when compared with a modern eurobox. My only problem is the unwelcome noise and wake, but I'm sure those with sufficient sense to own classic powerboats also have the seamanship and good manners not to go too close to other boats.

The boat tillergirl went on sounds perfectly dreadful.

 

[burgundyben]

Re: I agree !

eer oops, need to update profile it seems, ducati sold and now engaged!!

 

[BrendanS]

Re: I agree !

There are those of us with modern fast powerboats, who still have the grace, decency, and common sense, to give yachts a wide berth, particularly in light winds, when the wash can have an inordinate effect.

Though I'd actually like to pass closer and wave at the occupants of the 'stationary' sailing vessels I pass. Waving and saying hello seems polite and fun to other people who are out and enjoying the waters in whatever way.

In fact, I'm so polite, I even slow down when the PWC people come out to play in my wash, as at slower speeds, more wash, and they can keep up. They are often the most polite of all, despite all the criticism of them on the various forums here. They wave far more often than raggies or stinkies, in a genuine sense, not fingers up, maybe cos I pander to them.

 

[LittleShip]

Re: I agree !

Yes Brendan...................... you would !!/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tom

 

[Alastairdent]

Re: I agree !

Mine *was* a sailing boat, but now diesel only. But a bit far removed from Tillergirl's experience. And I be a heck of a lot noisier and slower.

My Sara still has a tiller, tho'!