Most manufacturers will build a boat to suit if you talk to the manufacturer and not a dealer who just wants a boat off his lot. Only a few I know won’t do that, namely some of the larger manufacturers who deal in volume. I would never buy a boat that wasn’t laid out the way I wanted. Everyone says a boat is a compromise, but only if you choose to compromise.

Frankly it doesn’t look like Richard compromised at all… got exactly what he wanted. Richard you’ll get 100 times more use out of that boat built like you wanted. I hope she fishes as good as she looks!

I think “The Salty Kiss ......of Death” seems fitting

she looks lovely, she looks like a killer

I agree with all that has been said! I ran to Catalina twice to three times a week for several years running my guide service and I opted for a 22 Ft HydraSport rigged custon by me for light tackle / fly. Bullet proof and fast, but a deep vee. I than moved inland and fished lakes and it was a pain.

I now have the same model Edgewater 175 that John has and it is great for near shore, Bays, lakes and on the calm days the island. There are trade offs to all boats and one size does not fit all. If I was to guide full time again (rather than the part time I do now) I would be looking at 21 to 23 ft dee vee center, Lenoc trim trolling trim tabs, 200+ four stroke, pop up cleats, 25 gallon plus bait system. Too many brand out there, but my two censt are stay away from a bay boat if you are serious about the island on a regular bases.

Lot of the guys that run those have tons of experience on the water and lets not fool ourselves, the water bewteen shore and Catalina or SCI can get nasty.

Feel free to contact me if you want to chat more in detail about the island runs as i practiall lived there for several years.

Tight lines,

Shane
I will put Shane’s Boat in the hat, but you will have to do some significant bribing to get it put on the hull.  A Helios 12 wt outfit comes to mind for starters.

Capt Scott
Thanks for the feedback.  We will see how well she fishes. She is now in OC and has begun her rigging process. 

Matt
The Salty Kiss of Death, now I like that!

Captain Bill,
Would like to hear more about your experience at the islands. 

Have attached more pictures FYE (For Your Enjoyment).  This was the day she arrived in Costa Mesa, CA. 

BTW the specs on her are as follows:

Length: 23’ 3”
Beam: 8, 6’
Fuel: 114 gal
Dead Rise:18 Degrees
Draft: 12”
OB Power Max HP: 275
Bottom 1/4” 5086 Alloy
Sides 3/16” 5086 Alloy

More to come as it develops.

Richard

Inside Pilot House
[IMG]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/skfmj/IMGP0244.jpg[/IMG]

Transom Showing Clamping Area for Main and Kicker.

[IMG]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/skfmj/IMGP0251.jpg[/IMG]

Factory Trim Tab Mount With Lenco Tab

[IMG]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/skfmj/IMGP0249.jpg[/IMG]

Front Profile On Trailer

[IMG]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/skfmj/IMGP0254.jpg[/IMG]

Walk Way Along Pilot House Starboard Side

[IMG]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/skfmj/IMGP0260.jpg[/IMG]

nice non-skid
where’s the pix of the bow casting platform?

matt

Matt,

Did not take a picture.  However, you can see what the deck looks like by looking at the factory picture (previous post).  The non skid is not applied and the flush deck hatch is not on the boat.  A bow rail is being added to add additional stability for the caster. 

Richard

awesome, she looks good. I’m starting to design some stuff for FFing. When I have more info and prototypes I’ll let everybody in on it

matt

Thing looks like a beast. When you get it set up let’s arrange a BTB buddy boat trip to SCI.

Randy

Matt,

Are you designing a boat or accessories for a boat?

Randy,

Sounds great. Unfortunately the electronics will not be ready until early May.  So no depth finder, GPS, or radar.  Not that you absolutely need GPS or radar ran dead reckoning to SCI all the time, but really want the fish finder. 

Richard

Agreed, the FF is almost a must. Are you special ordering the fish finder/GPS? Are you going with a thru hull setup?

Randy