sea trials finally

I should have brought a camera with me yesterday in Nantucket Sound.  The wind was blowing a good steady 15 kts with a few higher gusts resulting in a 2 chop typical of these waters in late summer.  I am please to report that the 19 Work Skiff handled these conditions with aplomb.  The length of the boat spans the wave sets well resulting in little pounding and a relatively dry ride.  With only myself aboard the boat performed remarkably well with the 10hp two stroke Evinrude.  I would love at some point to try this with a 25.  The boat screams downwind and the bow did not dig into the waves as I had feared.  With another passenger, we probably would need to throttle down.  The boats strength is evident in that there was no flexing observed at all. 

The only downside was that the fishing just was not too good.  A few bites from smaller bluefish, and could not entice any bass to take the bait.  The chop usually has these results as fishing is best in the early morning or early evening.  Not at high noon.  I did find that standing in the boat while fishing in the chop was not a good idea as it would be very easy to get thrown from the craft as the low freeboard that is so good for many things, is just a tad below my hand while standing.  Lifevest and tether at a minimum is in order and I did so.

I would recommend tie downs for the hatches when trailering.  Both covers on the stern threatened to blow away on rt 495 on the way home.  I have some glimmerings of a tie down system working through the finger holes on the top to prevent these from getting lost in transit.  They are fine underway as hull speed wont exceed 15kts with the current motor. 

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