Dear Gerry,

Newt locked the thread before I had chance to trot on about the boat. So here goes and welcome to anyone else that wants to join in.

I'm looking at the 14ft lure semi vee Gerry, I think. And have asked the company to contact me with prices-options etc. I think its really going to be a sort of semi-custom thing in the end as I've one or two ideas of what I want.

I've already owned another boat which I've flogged as it didn't eventually meet my requirements. The aluminium type suits me better for speed and durability.

The Trent is vertually un-tapped for pike and I've been wanting to make a concerted effort for years but never got around to it. Theres some really big perch as well which interest me. I think that my pike and perch efforts on the Trent will be lure based but the major problem I have is I'm a complete crapist when it comes to lures. Hence my interest in Charlie's guiding business and his obvious knowledge concerning lure fishing. I also don't fancy lugging my own boat around so it makes sense to employ the services of Charlie and his boat down on the broads. I'll probably go down to see Charlie in the close season if hes not busy to book up then have a general nosey around in the 4x4 for a suitable drinking...er I mean "resting" place.

Anyway Gerry, I already have the mooring up here and insurer sorted from the last boat and relicensing will be a doddle.

Also Newt has been kind enough to point me in the direction of some "realtree" wallpaper for the boat. Wouldn't want the Barbel Police finding me somewhere up the tigress Trent.

Poop poop! I'm Popeye the sailor man!

Regards,

Lee.

PS. Fancy a trip up a real river next winter Fenders?

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Ally is great, especially if you want to trail it. Light on the water which, in a blow, can be a disadvantage though. 12' long boats can be manhandled by one person, 14' is not so easy.

A word of warning though. A friend of mine kept his ally boat in a marina for a year, it suffered electrolysis. Apparently this was caused by nearby moored boats earthing out into the river.

But all in all, for a trailable fishing boat, ally is probably the best bet. For a boat being kept in the water the advantages are not so great. Me, I'm happy with GRP.

Two of you can fish in comfort from a 12 footer. Three might need 14 feet.

Good luck, don't forget the lifejackets.

A design I really like for a boat that isn't going on big water and that will be a one-person operation most times but will take two quite easily is this one. The outboard controls allow the operator to sit forward so the boat stays balanced. They use a steering stick so you don't have a steering wheel to deal with.



The picture has both the seats folded forward to show the storage but they flip back to make a comfortable place to sit. The livewell (center) also has a padded top and will take another person but without the comfort of back support.

[ 13. March 2005, 09:16 PM: Message edited by: Newt ]

Sounds like a good idea Lee. The semi V is not everyones choice, but its mine. I have a 14 foot semi V Crestliner and against the semi flat floor, its swings and roundabouts...literally. The flat floor makes for a very stable platform until the wind picks up a bit, or the tide runs hard and then the Semi V starts to catch up. If I remember rightly, the semi V is US coastguard cleared for inshore operation. Personally I would have gone for the semi flat if you're only using it on the Trent. Its a fantastic boat. Straight sided so that all of the space is usable and the factory can put in all sort of extras, swivel seats, battery box, waterproof lockers etc. A six horse pushes it nicely, the semi V needing 8hp minimum. 15hp-20hp even better if you want to get onto lochs, lakes, loughs. Anything bigger will be a waste, given the inland speed limits. If you decide to tow it up to Scotland or the Lakes, then the V hull comes into its own and they can be configured anyway you want it. Aluminium is the way to go and the Seastrike is heavy gauge. Compared to the lighter Sea Nymph and Quicksilver it sits nice and steady in the water. Downside is that you need a trailer and a decent winch. Particularly if you're of advancing years Its always advisable to specify having a sacrificial anode fitted to stop surface rot should you find yourself moored next to a live one. You might want to hold off on the decision until you see and try the semi-flat. You dont have to fish to try it. I can probably get you some pictures next week, of a factory customised semi flat, currently on its trailer in Colchester. See what I can do. It'll give you a better idea of whats possible. Whichever Seastrike you buy, Im sure it'll work and the factory are dead easy to deal with and very flexible. Charlie's good with the lures and I could think of worse places to be for a weekend than the Brundall area.

Dear Gerry,

Thanks a lot I look forward to seeing some pics matey.

Cheers Peter.

Useful info as always Newt.

Regards,

Lee.

Lee - if you are ordering a boat made up for you, the extra cost of fitting it with the controls like the pictured one has might well be worth it for you. Great way to have a fishing boat set up.