Finally got them inflated

[sladonians]

So,

After many weeks of waiting Ive finally got the keys to my new 'man cave' boat shed about a mile from my office. Excellent facility in a very safe and secure location.

So, got them both inflated for the first time today.

Small black Aquafax is really a tender for my 6.6m Highfield but also will use it pottering around the upper Thames and other inland rivers with a 2.5hp Honda. My son can use it as well. May get a 6hp motor for it so he can come fishing with me.

The Excel is my new toy. Got an extreme trailer on order from the guys in Southampton, great to deal with and a good price. AM just sorting things out at the moment but have a Garmin fish finder to go on and a Raymarine chart plotter. Building a battery box with switchgear and 12v ports which hopefully will be a self contained unit to sit under the front seat in the storage bag.

Considering an a frame for nav lights but that's later down the line.

Got a 20hp Tohatsu EFi, again great deal for the new motor. Had it about 2 weeks now and can't wait for the trailer so I can get her on the water.

Mackerel fishing gear ready to go onboard so looking forward to a great year boating and fishing.

[sladonians]

Looks awesome! Really pleased for you.

[sladonians]

Cracking Job, I could do with a boat shed like that

Congrats

Martin

[sladonians]

Looks awesome! Really pleased for you.

Cheers Chris, my first proper outing is likely to be the Hamble possibly a hop over to Hythe, if you’re up for it? Seems rude not to really.....

[sladonians]

Cracking Job, I could do with a boat shed like that

Congrats

Martin

Cheers Martin, it’s on an old farmyard where they have converted the pig sheds to storage and workshops. It has lighting and power, and is about the size of a double garage. Am going to fit racking and a locker for sailing clothes and gear but at the moment just enjoying the fact I can now see these two out of the their bags.

Keen to join in with as many events as possible this year, even arrange some ad hoc as well. Looking forward to a years boating and fishing, haven’t fished since I was a kid so looking forward to some mackerel later in the year.

Look forward to meeting up at some point in the year.

[sladonians]

Looks awesome! Really pleased for you.

Cheers Chris, my first proper outing is likely to be the Hamble possibly a hop over to Hythe, if you’re up for it? Seems rude not to really.....

As soon as this rotten weather stops buggering up all the fun then we can get out and play!

[sladonians]

So, have discovered a slow leak in the port tube on the Excel. Annoying as I can’t find it but it’s enough to be an annoyance. Don’t suppose anyone can recommend a good repairer as I also want a new rubbing strake fitted and some railblaza sockets on the sponsons.

[ChrisParish]

Check the valves - often slow leaks care caused by the valve not having been assembled correctly / tightened up. Soapy water will find any leaks pretty quickly.
Not sure about where to find a good repairer - I’ve always fixed my own.

[sladonians]

Cheers for that Chris, funnily enough I didn’t check the valve lol.

It’s not a fast leak, takes a couple of days to go from 0.25 down to .05 so am even wondering if it’s the cold as the starboard tube is against the wall.

Will spray the soap solution on the valve though, tied it on the tube but couldn’t see anything. May increase the soap content of the mixture to eek out even tiny air emissions.

[Martin]

I’ve just realised, that excel has the Honwave “hook style” launch wheels on.
Did you buy the Sib like that ?

+1 for the air loss - valve possibility.

Martin