No Regrets
Well-Known Member
Still \'No Regrets!
After her recent antifoul, service and recommisioning, we decided today was going to be time for No Regrets first outing of 2008.
The only remaining jobs are to polish topsides and a little fettling here and there, but everything else has been attended to, so with only a little trepidation, and most of that due to the fact our previous boats have been outboard or outdrive, rather than Shaft.
Starting the old Sea Tiger was easy as always, and a few system checks while she warmed up proved satisfactory, apart from the doubt as to the accuracy of the fuel gauge, following vicious rumours being circulated recently.
Pulling off the finger was succesful, as there was none of the usual sidewind present, and I full-ported her around once half way along, which worked out fine with a bit of throttle, and we were wending our way through the Marina, with no wake at all!
Very different to Shamby...
Turning out of T&K upstream, we noted a fair old flow, so 1500rpm saw an estimated 5 knots, and plenty of steering as an added bonus. The first lock, manned by the lady with the Mobile phone was Ok as far as hooking up was concerned, but departure time saw me sliding along the edge of the lock like a [hushed voice] Narrow boat [/hushed voice] so instructions to SWMBO were issued to push off at the bows next time, which worked just fine!
Refuelling was not good fun, with 2 gallon cans and a few trips to the pumps at Tesco-on Thames saw the gauge climb to three quarters, but I got bored. Next time I'll enlist the crew to assist....
Overall, very much less 'leisure' than Shamby the sports cruiser, but more refined steering, ride comfort, stability and less vibes (Petrol has it's good points!) While I miss the driving position a little, I think the Birchwood will prove to be a nicer overall experience, certainly more spacious despite the same hull length, as space is utilised very well, and the extra beam aids things a lot too.
I must remember to clean the glass before we leave next time.....Glass is a step up from Perspex of course, but only when clean in the first place!
The river was calm, despite the flow, and we only saw a few robo's, no Mobo's at all. Where are you guys?
After her recent antifoul, service and recommisioning, we decided today was going to be time for No Regrets first outing of 2008.
The only remaining jobs are to polish topsides and a little fettling here and there, but everything else has been attended to, so with only a little trepidation, and most of that due to the fact our previous boats have been outboard or outdrive, rather than Shaft.
Starting the old Sea Tiger was easy as always, and a few system checks while she warmed up proved satisfactory, apart from the doubt as to the accuracy of the fuel gauge, following vicious rumours being circulated recently.
Pulling off the finger was succesful, as there was none of the usual sidewind present, and I full-ported her around once half way along, which worked out fine with a bit of throttle, and we were wending our way through the Marina, with no wake at all!
Very different to Shamby...
Turning out of T&K upstream, we noted a fair old flow, so 1500rpm saw an estimated 5 knots, and plenty of steering as an added bonus. The first lock, manned by the lady with the Mobile phone was Ok as far as hooking up was concerned, but departure time saw me sliding along the edge of the lock like a [hushed voice] Narrow boat [/hushed voice] so instructions to SWMBO were issued to push off at the bows next time, which worked just fine!
Refuelling was not good fun, with 2 gallon cans and a few trips to the pumps at Tesco-on Thames saw the gauge climb to three quarters, but I got bored. Next time I'll enlist the crew to assist....
Overall, very much less 'leisure' than Shamby the sports cruiser, but more refined steering, ride comfort, stability and less vibes (Petrol has it's good points!) While I miss the driving position a little, I think the Birchwood will prove to be a nicer overall experience, certainly more spacious despite the same hull length, as space is utilised very well, and the extra beam aids things a lot too.
I must remember to clean the glass before we leave next time.....Glass is a step up from Perspex of course, but only when clean in the first place!
The river was calm, despite the flow, and we only saw a few robo's, no Mobo's at all. Where are you guys?
