TLC for Aviator

[z1ppy]

Well Aviator has been ashore for a few weeks after our last little trip. Bow thruster fitted and re launched on friday morning.

Before she went back in i had the guys at Valet and Scratch ( http://www.valet-scratch.co.uk/ )do a hull polish for me. i have to be clear here. i have no association with them other than being a client and a happy one at that. Richard is a great guy to deal with and does what he says, when he says it... im very pleased with the finish they got!

Pre polish

Post polish

I went out with Martin Payne from Hunton, kinda post purchase sea trial. down to Yarmouth for lunch in the sun, managed to get her up to 58 kts on the way down to Yarmouth, fantastic to run alongside a 21 year old Hunton 35 as well. looked fantastic at 38 Kts. will try and get some video clip up later.

Bow thruster makes a massive difference to close quarter handling. much more relaxed and controlled!

Back out again yesterday to Cowes for a couple of drinks and back via the fuel berth, tanks toped up for winter, looking forward to some more winter boating, last few days have been fantastic!

 

[imac8]

58knts is obscene!

I was chuffed to get just above 30 knts after a servicing/hull clean.

The Hunton looks tremendous after it's valet. Top job

 

[Firefly625]

Hi Z1ppy

Excellent news, glade you have now had 2 good runs out without issue! and a bowthruster and polish to boot. Good stuff.

and tell me how long does it take you to get from Hamble to Yarmouth in Aviator..?

 

[z1ppy]

To be honest im not sure james, we were playing around with another Hunton on the way down so not exactly direct.

Dont have the charts with me right now but from Hamble south cardinal to yarmouth i would guess about 15nm?? guess 20 mins??

 

[Firefly625]

To be honest im not sure james, we were playing around with another Hunton on the way down so not exactly direct.

Dont have the charts with me right now but from Hamble south cardinal to yarmouth i would guess about 15nm?? guess 20 mins??

20mins.... brilliant!!!

& I guess if you were not mucking about you could even shave a few minutes off that

what a boat!

 

[STEVEDUNSTABLE]

hi z1ppy......bet you must have one of the shinnyest n fastest "torpedos" out n about at the mo !!!!.........ENJOY !!!!!!!.........................(before all us old 25knotters get in the way next year!!!!!!)......regards steve..

 

[SpottyDog5]

Believe me, going up front to do the fenders and attached the bow line is breathtaking !

 

[Firefly625]

Believe me, going up front to do the fenders and attached the bow line is breathtaking !

Aviator is very long and pointy

 

[SpottyDog5]

Aviator is very long and pointy

Your not kidding, it was like tying a bowline on a canoe, must have looked quite a sight me crawling along on my belly.
Not sure I believed the bit about not being able to slow down, case he lost "steerage", cheers buddy.
But Im not complaining

 

[z1ppy]

Your not kidding, it was like tying a bowline on a canoe, must have looked quite a sight me crawling along on my belly.
Not sure I believed the bit about not being able to slow down, case he lost "steerage", cheers buddy.
But Im not complaining

yup! that £250 i make from the "you've been framed" clip should go some way to covering the cost of filling up saturday afternoon!!

thanks for coming out Roy, much appreciated and when are we going to see Spotty clad with her new ear rings?

 

[SpottyDog5]

Should have the webbing straps this week, so very soon, she will bejazzled with spotty fenders, will post a pic up here...

 

[Firefly625]

Should have the webbing straps this week, so very soon, she will bejazzled with spotty fenders, will post a pic up here...

Spotty fenders... I saw those at SIBS this year. I think they were made with your boat in mind!

 

[SpottyDog5]

My Wife loved them, we agreed a special deal in exchange for some publicity photos.
Must say they look very good, the spots are actually moulded in, not just stickers.

 

[timgriffin]

Wow great finish to her
Nice to see you two in the lifeboat the other day .
Tim